Almost a quarter of young adolescents in a study by Sultan Qaboos University (SQU) were found to be obese.

A survey conducted by the Times of Oman also reveals that over three quarters of 210 private school students who participated had never bought a piece of fruit from their school tuck shop. 

“Considering the fact that half of the population is below 20 years of age, these figures might be pointing fingers at the prevalence of large- scale child obesity in the country.” Dr Ritu Lakhtakia, Head of the Department of Pathology wrote in a medical journal published by SQU.

A report by the World Health Organisation states: “There is an increasing burden of obesity and obesity- related non communicable diseases- diabetes, cardiovascular disease and some cancers, in GCC countries, including Oman.”

Dr Ashik, a gastroenterologist at the Aster Al Raffah Hospital in Ghubrah, explained: “A balanced diet is vital in children, because they are at an age at which their organs and brain require a healthy diet for optimal development, so it is important to enable them to fully reach their potential.”

Anne Gregg, a nutritionist who works closely with the British School Muscat, said that schools are becoming more aware about the food they provide and many have reduced the amount of high- sugar drinks in their canteens.

However, junk food isn’t the only issue, as the “health trends” that have become increasingly popular over the last few years have also been proven to be detrimental to a young child’s well-being.

Veganism

Veganism is one of the fastest growing lifestyle choices across the globe, and “Vegan children can be deficient in vitamin D, calcium, iron, and possibly vitamin B12,” pediatric dietician Helen Wilcock of the British Dietetic Association (BDA), explained.

(Writer is an intern at Times of Oman)

Source: Timesofoman