Childhood obesity has become a major health concern in Ghana, with the prevalence of overweight and obese children more than doubling in the past two decades. According to the World Health Organization, nearly one in five children in Ghana is now classified as overweight or obese. This trend is particularly acute in urban areas, where high-calorie, low-nutrient foods and drinks are increasingly available and marketed towards children.
The consequences of childhood obesity are serious and far-reaching. Children who are obese are at risk of developing health problems that were previously seen only in adults, such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and type 2 diabetes. These conditions can have lifelong implications for a child’s physical and mental well-being.
Epidemiologist Professor Fred Binka warns that childhood obesity is a two-edged sword, and that most parents are happy to see their children obese, thinking that they will grow out of it in adolescence. Unfortunately, this is a myth, and the problem is likely to get worse. Studies show that childhood obesity has gone from about 6% in the population to 20%, and if trends continue, it may reach 25% by 2030, which means that one in four children will become obese.
To gain a deeper understanding of this issue, we spoke to Dr. Fokuoh-Boadu, a pediatrician at Korle Bu Teaching Hospital in Accra. She stresses the need for a multi-pronged approach to addressing this growing crisis. Decreasing screen time among children is a must if we are serious about children losing weight and engaging in more physical activity. Most importantly, the diet of children must be looked at closely, with an emphasis on healthy, nutrient-dense foods.
Dr. Fokuoh-Boadu’s concerns are well-founded, as childhood obesity rates are on the rise globally. According to the World Health Organization, there are currently about 60 million children who are obese between the ages of 5 and 19, and 41 million obese children below the age of 5. This alarming trend is not limited to high-income countries, as low and middle-income countries, such as Ghana, are also experiencing a rise in childhood obesity.
Key facts:
Worldwide obesity has nearly tripled since 1975.
In 2016, more than 1.9 billion adults, 18 years and older, were overweight. Of these over 650 million were obese.
39% of adults aged 18 years and over were overweight in 2016, and 13% were obese.
Most of the world’s population live in countries where overweight and obesity kills more people than underweight.
39 million children under the age of 5 were overweight or obese in 2020.
Over 340 million children and adolescents aged 5-19 were overweight or obese in 2016.
Obesity is preventable.
The causes of childhood obesity are complex, but one major factor is the increasing availability and consumption of unhealthy, processed foods and drinks, often marketed towards children. In addition, children today are more sedentary than ever before, spending hours each day in front of screens instead of engaging in physical activity.
While the problem of childhood obesity may seem overwhelming, there are evidence-based solutions that can help. Schools can play an important role in promoting healthy lifestyles by providing nutritious meals and encouraging physical activity. Parents can also make changes at home by limiting screen time, encouraging outdoor play, and modelling healthy eating habits.
In conclusion, childhood obesity is a growing crisis in Ghana and around the world, with serious implications for the physical and mental well-being of children. However, by working together and implementing evidence-based solutions, we can help children grow up healthy and thrive in the years to come. It is time for all of us to take action and make the necessary changes to ensure that our children have a healthy future.6
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