Currently, the number of overweight children in Bangkok is increasing, highlighting a trend where urban lifestyle and eating habits contribute to a rise in diabetes and kidney failure (a complication from diabetes) as the leading cause of death.
Sweet, fatty foods and a lack of exercise are risk factors for obesity. Excess fat cells in the body produce substances that affect insulin function, a condition known as Metabolic Syndrome, which includes problems such as high cholesterol, high levels of bad cholesterol (LDL), high triglycerides, and high blood pressure. Children with diabetes show similar symptoms to adults, such as frequent hunger, overeating, fatigue, weight loss, and sweet-smelling urine. However, children are generally healthier and thus experience fewer complications than adults.
During the third trimester of pregnancy, expectant mothers often experience discomfort, a full stomach, back pain, insomnia, and swelling of the hands and feet. It’s important to rest as much as possible and eat nutritious foods like eggs, plain milk, vegetables, fruits (not too sweet), and various nuts. As pregnancy progresses, the risk of developing gestational diabetes, preeclampsia, and slowed fetal growth increases. Therefore, regular prenatal check-ups are essential.
Factors contributing to childhood obesity:
- Providing sweets as rewards: Using sweets as rewards or incentives alters a child’s taste preferences, making them crave more sweetness and become accustomed to high-sugar foods.
- Drinking fruit juice instead of soda: Although fruit juice is considered healthier than soda, water and fresh fruit are better choices. Fruit juices are high in calories, while fresh fruit provides fiber and essential nutrients.
- School environment: Schools should be a key battleground against obesity. Snacks, sweetened milk, ice cream, and soda are often marketed and given away in schools, reinforcing the belief that snacks are a form of reward or sharing.
- Extra classes and schooling: Parents and teachers may encourage children to attend extra classes or prestigious schools far from home, leading to early wake-up times, inadequate breakfasts, and missed dinners, with children only snacking to fill the gap. Additionally, digital age activities often overshadow physical exercise, increasing the risk of obesity.
- Fast food: The popularity of fast food is driven by convenience but lacks nutritional value.
