Childhood obesity threatens 41 million children with age below five years old all over the world, according to the WHO's Commission in Ending Childhood Obesity. In 1990, it is reported that about 31 million children were overweight; hence, it increased to 10 percent and might rise further.
Parents.com reports that the said commission is calling the governments, food marketers, agribusiness and educators to take part in inhibiting the childhood obesity epidemic. They are suggesting for "effective taxation on sugary sweetened beverages." And they recommend for a "sugar tax" on soft drinks to fight this problem.
"Overall, the rationale for taxation measures to influence purchasing behavior is strong and supported by the available evidence. The Commission believes there is sufficient rationale to warrant the introduction of an effective taxation sugar-sweetened beverages," the WHO's Commission on Ending Childhood Obesity, said. "It is well established that the consumption of sugar-sweetened beverage is associated with an increased risk of obesity.
The commission also advises schools to have policies that promote a healthy diet and exercise. Parents also have a responsibility in their children's health.
"It's not the kids' fault. You can't blame a 2-year old child for being fat and lazy and eating too much," Peter Gluckman, the co-chair of the Commission on Ending Childhood Obesity, said.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention describes overweight as having extra body weight for a certain height from muscle, fat, water, bone or a combination of these factors. And obesity is defined as having extra body fat.
It has short-term effects on the well-being of the obese children. These include an increased risk of cardiovascular disease because of high cholesterol or high blood pressure. They might also acquire prediabetes which is a condition wherein the blood glucose levels point to a high-risk factor in developing diabetes. The obese children may also have increased risk factors for social and psychological problems such a poor self-esteem and stigmatization, sleep apnea and joint and bone problems.
Its long-term effects involve risk of diseases such as osteoarthritis, some types of cancers, stroke, type 2 diabetes and heart disease.
To prevent obesity and being overweight, it is recommendable to observe healthy lifestyle habits that involve healthy eating and physical activity.
