Our children are facing a crisis of 'obese proportions'
They are eating larger amounts of unhealthy food, sitting around idly in front of screens and doing too little exercise.Without better screening and action against obesity in the younger population, we face "serious long-term consequences", warned researchers in a paper published in the SA Medical Journal.Lead researcher Nasheeta Peer, from the Medical Research Council, said: "In the past few decades. overweight and obesity in children has increased rapidly."This can cause the onset of type 2 diabetes and high blood pressure, as well as depression and social stigmatisation.It is "essential that this condition be diagnosed early and managed holistically to ensure a successful outcome," Peer said.Nutritionist Rachel Toku-Appiah said: "Nutrition has been traditionally neglected" and there is an "urgent need" to change this.In the recent Global Nutrition Report released by the World Health Organisation, South Africa came 149 out of 190 countries in adult obesity prevalence...
There’s never been a more important time to support independent media.
From World War 1 to present-day cosmopolitan South Africa and beyond, the Sunday Times has been a pillar in covering the stories that matter to you.
For just R80 you can become a premium member (digital access) and support a publication that has played an important political and social role in South Africa for over a century of Sundays. You can cancel anytime.
Already subscribed? Sign in below.
Questions or problems? Email helpdesk@timeslive.co.za or call 0860 52 52 00.