Being overweight in childhood is a risk factor for obesity in adulthood and complications such as diabetes and cardiovascular disease. In addition to health problems, it can also lead to emotional and behavioral problems, such as low self-esteem and nervousness, due to a clash with the cultural values of beauty and aesthetics that have been present since childhood. For these reasons, and because childhood obesity has become a problem of epidemic proportions, it has become necessary and a priority to continue studying its causes and consequences.
Although genetics play a very important role here, lifestyle habits such as lack of physical activity, unbalanced diet and sleep problems can be important factors in the development of excess weight in children. Social, economic and cultural inequalities can also contribute to exacerbating the problem. European children, including Portuguese children, ate a high-calorie diet consisting of unbalanced meals. This habit worsens as children approach adolescence, when they become more independent and have access to more Fast food.
Physical activity for children is also often neglected, even though it is an important factor in preventing excess weight in children and adolescents. On the other hand, sedentary behaviors are common in children and adolescents, taking up 60% of their work time, which they spend mainly sitting in front of screens. Moreover, the still recent COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated the situation, increasing the time spent at home and thus increasing sedentary behaviours. “Sports embarrassment” is another phenomenon that occurs mainly among minorities, and causes a decline in physical activity during adolescence, especially among girls. For this reason, strategies to combat excess weight in children should include intensifying physical activity and removing devices such as screens from their rooms.
In a study conducted by the Egas Muniz Center for Pediatric Genetics and Nutrition, between 2010 and 2013, in schools in the Lisbon metropolitan area, which included nearly 400 children aged 9 years, the relationship between lifestyle habits and metabolic health was analysed, with a focus on about Risk factors for diabetes and cardiovascular disease. Although Portugal showed a decrease in the prevalence of overweight in children between 2008 and 2019, possibly due to the implementation of tax legislation on sugar consumption and physical activity implementation policies in urban settings, the results of this study showed that Portugal still has one overweight population. It has one of the highest obesity rates in Europe, with 39% of children overweight and 29% with high levels of body fat.
In general, diet and physical activity are associated with obesity, excess body fat, and other risk factors for diabetes and cardiovascular disease. Keeping in mind that these same factors are modifiable, especially during childhood, diet and physical exercise can be important tools in combating obesity and its harmful effects on health.
Childhood obesity has become a major challenge because it affects not only the physical health but also the social and emotional health of children. However, it is essential to promote healthy eating habits, regular physical activity and provide an environment conducive to healthy choices. Educators and health professionals should help children create habits for healthy youthful development to reduce the impact that childhood obesity can have in the long term.
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