Dr Malini Yugendran
Auckland, January 11, 2023
Childhood and adolescent obesity are serious public health issues in New Zealand. The obesity rates of those between the ages of two and 14 have been steadily increasing. In 2019/20, around 9.5% of children and adolescents were obese, compared to 12.7% in 2020/2021. According to the Ministry of Health’s report, one in every eight New Zealand children and adolescents is obese.
Overweight vs obesity.
Being overweight means that your child’s weight is higher than what is considered normal and healthy. Obesity, on the other hand, is defined as being significantly overweight. If a child’s BMI (body mass index) is higher than the 85th percentile, they are considered overweight. If a child’s BMI is higher than the 95th percentile, they are considered obese. New Zealand’s Ministry of Health’s website provides an online children’s BMI calculator which tells you if your child is overweight or not.
What is BMI?
BMI or body mass index is a measurement of growth for most. It is calculated based on a child’s height and weight. It determines how much body fat a child has. However, BMI may not be appropriate for all children, especially those with health conditions such as endocrine or genetic conditions.
What causes obesity?
A child’s obesity emerges from consuming more calories than expended resulting in excess weight gain. Dr Sandhya Ramanathan, a specialist General Practitioner with Surrey Medical Centre said that obesity is the “elephant in the room” during a consultation. She said, “unhealthy diets, sedentary lifestyle that prioritises screen time with smart devices, limited access to affordable healthy food options and marketing of unhealthy foods targeting children are all factors that contribute to the increase in weight among children and adolescents.” Being overweight or obese has repercussions.
The effects of childhood obesity.
Obese and overweight children are at risk for a variety of major health issues, including:
- Diabetes: Type 2 diabetes was previously known as adult-onset diabetes. However, there has been a significant increase in the number of children suffering from type 2 diabetes. Diabetes can be a life-threatening condition if left untreated.
- Asthma: Excess weight can make breathing difficult and inflame the respiratory system. Childhood asthma is on the rise, and children with severe asthma are more likely to be overweight.
- Heart Failure: Being overweight strains the heart. Overweight children are more prone to become overweight adults with cardiac issues.
Non-invasive remedies.
Dr Ramanathan said, “parents need to understand that it is easier to not put on weight than it is to lose weight,”. She added that parents should not equate affection with overfeeding, increased portion sizes and succumbing to children’s requests for unhealthy foods. “Parents should be role models. Parents should be modelling healthy lifestyle behaviours for their children,” explained Dr Ramanathan.
Experts suggest that parents should urge their children to be physically active and if possible be part of that physical activity. Children should get at least 60 minutes of moderate to vigorous physical activity every day, and it can include running, sports, and bike rides.
Sandhya Govind, an Auckland-based naturopath says that the child’s gut health is an important aspect of the battle against childhood obesity. “Just like an adult’s, the child’s gut also houses trillions of bacteria, called the gut microbiome, most of which are beneficial along with some harmful ones that can among other things lower the child’s immunity, make them more prone to allergies, affect mood, and also contribute to obesity,” she said. Govind explained, “as the child grows, giving the child fibre rich food such as whole grains, fruits (not fruit juice) and vegetables and avoiding processed food, sweetened juices and drinks, and sweets will help maintain a healthy gut.
According to Dr Ramanathan, “We are currently living in the era of super viruses that prey on poor baseline health. Maintaining a healthy weight and avoiding obesity can improve your immunity and help you fight circulating pathogens. Keeping up with childhood immunisation regimens, including covid-19 vaccines and booster doses if eligible is also vital,” she said.
The latest study suggests medical intervention.
The American Academy of Paediatrics issued its first comprehensive update in 15 years on Monday. The research offers recommendations for the treatment of obesity for children as young as two to their adolescent years. The study proposes that the entire family of overweight and obese children modify their behaviour and lifestyle. This covers dietary advice as well as exercise regimens. According to the academy, weight reduction drugs, as well as health behaviour therapy and lifestyle treatment, are appropriate for children aged 12 and higher. It also states that teens aged 13 and older with significant obesity should be assessed for surgery.
Is obesity surgery allowed for children in New Zealand?
In New Zealand, obesity surgery is typically not advised for children and teenagers. While surgery may be considered for children with extreme obesity and related health concerns, it is only regarded as a last option when non-surgical therapies have been exhausted and the child is assessed to be at high risk. Surgery is a serious procedure, and the long-term effects on a child’s physical and emotional development are unknown. As a result, it is only considered in exceptional circumstances and after a thorough evaluation by a team of medical professionals that includes a paediatrician, a paediatric endocrinologist, a dietitian, a psychologist, and a surgeon.
Dr Malini Yugendran is an Indian Newslink reporter based in Auckland.
