Dr. Seyram Kaali, a Clinical Research Fellow at the Kintampo Health Research Centre, emphasizes the importance of children engaging in at least 60 minutes of physical activity daily to combat obesity.
Speaking to the Ghana News Agency, Dr. Kaali stressed that increased playtime allows children to burn calories, reducing the risk of overweight and obesity, which has become a global pandemic affecting low- and middle-income countries.
He attributes the rise in childhood obesity in Ghana to the frequent consumption of processed foods high in sugar and salt, coupled with a lack of physical activity. Dr. Kaali warns that this imbalance between calorie intake and expenditure leads to obesity.
Citing the World Health Organization's concern, Dr. Kaali underscores the threat of overweight and obesity to children's well-being globally, linking unhealthy diets and sedentary behavior to these conditions, which can result in lifelong health issues.
Advocating for mandatory Physical Education (PE) in schools and stricter food policies, Dr. Kaali urges parents to monitor their children's weight and promote balanced diets rich in fruits and vegetables while reducing calorie-dense foods.
He emphasizes the role of urban planning in facilitating physical activity and calls for national policies promoting healthy lifestyles and affordable access to nutritious foods to combat childhood obesity.
Highlighting the long-term health risks associated with childhood obesity, Dr. Kaali underscores the importance of early intervention, urging mothers to exclusively breastfeed their infants for the first six months and be mindful of their diets thereafter.
Addressing the potential strain on national health systems, Dr. Kaali stresses the need for preventive measures, advocating for policies promoting healthy lifestyles and access to nutritious foods nationwide.
