Obesity among children remains one of the most vital public policy questions that the UAE needs to tackle. The statistics are startling: screenings of children between six and 14 by Abu Dhabi Health Services (Seha) found that nearly a third were overweight or obese.
Overweight children tend to become overweight adults – and both put an enormous strain on public health services. Obesity brings a significant increase in the likelihood of cardiovascular diseases and diabetes. In the case of children, excess weight brings its own set of unique problems. Overweight children may be teased at school or suffer from self-esteem issues. There may also be specific health risks that occur in obese children that don't occur in obese adults.
That is why the current study at Mafraq Hospital in the capital is so important. As The National reported yesterday, the study, started in January and still continuing, tests children between six and 18 for high blood pressure, cholesterol, pre-diabetes and fatty liver disease. In particular, researchers at Mafraq hope to uncover exactly how dangerous childhood obesity is. In addition, they hope that the research, by focusing on those living in the Gulf, might help us understand differences between those of Arab ethnicity and those with roots in western Europe and North America, where much of the literature on obesity originates.
The Mafraq study is small, but it is part of a process of continuing a public conversation about the dangers of obesity. Most parents recognise that a sedentary lifestyle is as bad, perhaps worse, for children as it is for adults. Junk food and long hours watching television or playing video games, combined with a lack of exercise, all take their toll on young bodies.
What is necessary is to try to convince parents that feeding children excessive amounts of junk food is not socially acceptable.
Like everyone, parents are persuaded by what their peer groups are doing and it can be hard to deny children junk food when all their friends are eating it. No parent likes to say no.
But by highlighting exactly how dangerous obesity is for children in particular, the conversation can perhaps be moved forward, giving parents the necessary ammunition that will make it hard for them to say yes to junk food.