Prevention of childhood obesity

Reposted by YevoFoodClub.com

Prevention of childhood obesity

Overweight and obesity are largely preventable. Supportive policies, environments, schools and communities are fundamental in shaping parents’ and children’s choices, making the healthier choice of foods and regular physical activity the easiest choice (accessible, available and affordable), and therefore preventing obesity.

For infants and young children, WHO recommends:

• early initiation of breastfeeding within one hour of birth;
• exclusive breastfeeding for the first 6 months of life; and
• the introduction of nutritionally-adequate and safe complementary (solid) foods at 6 months together with continued breastfeeding up to two years of age or beyond.

Complementary foods should be rich in nutrients and given in adequate amounts. At six months, caregivers should introduce foods in small amounts and gradually increase the quantity as the child gets older. Young children should receive a variety of foods including meat, poultry, fish or eggs as often as possible. Foods for the baby can be specially prepared or modified from family meals. Complementary foods high in fats, sugar and salt should be avoided.

School-aged children and adolescents should:

• limit energy intake from total fats and sugars;
• increase consumption of fruit and vegetables, as well as legumes, whole grains and nuts;
• engage in regular physical activity (60 minutes a day).

The food industry can play a significant role in reducing childhood obesity by:

• reducing the fat, sugar and salt content of complementary foods and other processed foods;
• ensuring that healthy and nutritious choices are available and affordable to all consumers;
• practicing responsible marketing especially those aimed at children and teenagers.