OVERWEIGHT AND OBESITY IN YOUNG CHILDREN: 9 EXPERT TIPS TO HELP PARENTS TAKE CONTROL EARLY!

Medical review by Su Thi Nhu Ngoc, MD, MSc – Pediatrics Specialist | CarePlus Clinic System

Overweight and obesity in children are becoming alarming health issues globally and in Vietnam. Here are the concerning numbers regarding childhood obesity worldwide and domestically:

According to statistics from the WHO, World Obesity Atlas, and UNICEF Vietnam:

• Globally: More than 1 billion people are currently living with overweight or obesity.

• In Vietnam: Approximately 19.5% of the population – equivalent to nearly 20 million people – are overweight or obese; this rate has increased by about 38% in recent years.

• Among Vietnamese children: The overweight and obesity rate among children aged 5–19 increased from 8.5% in 2010 to 19% in 2020.

• In urban areas: The rate of overweight and obesity in children is significantly higher than in rural areas.

• In major cities: Over 50% of adolescents in Ho Chi Minh City and over 41% in Hanoi are overweight or obese.

WHY ARE MORE AND MORE CHILDREN BECOMING OBESE?

Obesity is not caused by a single factor, nor is it solely a child's individual issue. According to UNICEF, it is the result of multiple concurrent factors from the family, school, and living environment.

• Changing diets: Fast food, processed foods, soft drinks, and boba milk tea are becoming increasingly popular.

• Sedentary lifestyle: Screen time has increased while outdoor physical activities have decreased.

• Insufficient sleep: Lack of sleep increases the risk of weight gain.

• Family factors: Parents' eating and activity habits directly impact their children.

• Early life factors: Maternal nutrition during pregnancy and feeding practices during early childhood also play a crucial role.

COMPLICATIONS OF CHILDHOOD OBESITY THAT SHOULD NOT BE UNDERESTIMATED

Many parents believe that a child being "a bit chubby will naturally outgrow it." However, studies show that childhood obesity can affect almost every organ system in the body and increases the risk of adult obesity.

• Cardiovascular: High blood pressure, dyslipidemia (cholesterol disorders).

• Endocrine & Metabolic: Insulin resistance, prediabetes, type 2 diabetes.

• Respiratory: Snoring, sleep apnea.

• Digestive: Fatty liver disease.

• Musculoskeletal: Leg pain, knee pain, restricted mobility.

• Psychological: Low self-esteem, anxiety, susceptibility to social isolation.

Early detection and timely intervention significantly reduce the risk of long-term complications.

9 TIPS TO HELP CHILDREN MAINTAIN A HEALTHY WEIGHT

• 0 sugary drinks.

• 1 hour of physical activity daily.

• 2 hours of screen time maximum per day.

• 3 full main meals.

• 4 or more glasses of water.

• 5 servings of vegetables and fruits.

• 6 days of home-cooked meals per week.

• 7 breakfasts per week – never skip breakfast.

• 8 to 10 hours of sleep each night.

A MESSAGE TO PARENTS

Obesity is not the child's fault, and weight loss should not be a pressure placed solely on them. Children make positive changes when the whole family changes together: eating healthy, staying active, and building good daily habits as a team.

In particular, this health package integrates the CarePlus 24h Recall Dietary Assessment – an in-depth method developed by CarePlus medical experts to comprehensively analyze a child's 24-hour dietary intake, accurately identifying nutritional imbalances and root causes. This is an exclusive methodology currently available only across all CarePlus Clinics Vietnam locations.

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