The discovery of an 11-year-old child in Hanoi suffering from diabetes due to obesity serves as a warning about the importance of a proper diet for children.
According to Dr. Ta Van Binh, director of the Central Endocrinology Hospital, the best way to reduce the risk of obesity in children is to increase physical activity and establish healthy eating habits.
Endocrinologists note that obesity is a leading cause of type 2 diabetes in children, a condition that typically occurs in adults aged 30 and older.
However, with many families in Vietnam enjoying a higher standard of living, an improper diet for their children has led to a rising rate of childhood obesity.
Dr. Ta Van Binh indicates that the prevalence of obesity is higher in urban areas compared to rural ones.
In Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, the rate of overweight elementary school students has reached nearly 10%, with some regions experiencing even higher rates.
A balanced diet for children should include adequate amounts of protein, vitamins, and minerals found in foods and fresh fruits.
However, not all adults have a correct and comprehensive understanding of this issue.
Evidence shows that most obese children in Vietnam come from affluent families. In addition to consuming more energy, these children are increasingly less active.
According to Dr. Binh, this is a consequence of technological advances, sedentary lifestyles, and increased consumption of high-fat, high-energy foods.
Currently, reduced energy expenditure is largely due to the use of computers, remote controls, microwaves, and traveling by car. Additionally, a lack of physical activity contributes to the rising obesity rates among children.
Numerous studies have demonstrated that the rate of obesity is directly proportional to the amount of time spent watching television but inversely proportional to the time spent outdoors.
Dr. Binh assesses that changing a child’s diet to prevent obesity that leads to type 2 diabetes is quite difficult, as it requires dietary adjustments for the entire family.
Currently, the most effective method for reducing the risk of childhood obesity is to enhance physical activity and establish healthy eating practices.
Nevertheless, doctors advise that adults must also carefully consider the diets of children, as they are in a critical phase of growth and development.
