Due to the greater participation of women in working life, the fast pace of life and the fact that we turned our face to the west in terms of nutrition, as in many areas, the intake of fast-prepared and consumed foods has become widespread in our society. This means foods with more fat and salt, high energy, poor fiber, rich in additives, low glycemic index (which increases blood sugar quickly). These foods, called fast foods, are low in vitamins A and C and calcium. This unbalanced diet is one of the causes of obesity, which is seen at a high rate in our society, especially in childhood.
According to research, one of every 5 children is obese today. Children who are obese are also at higher risk of developing diseases such as diabetes and hypertension later in their lives. The amount of salt in a fast food type food can be up to twice the recommended daily salt amount for adults. However, it is known that adults consuming more than 6 grams of salt per day and those under 6 years of age pose a health risk. Especially high levels of salt taken in childhood significantly increase the risk of blood pressure and heart attack in later years. However, many additives such as colorants, flavor enhancers, sweeteners, antimicrobials are used extensively in the preparation of fast-food type foods. Improper use of these additives and frequent consumption of fast food products containing additives also increase the risk of cancer.
Another cause of obesity is the decrease in playgrounds and the increase in the time children spend in front of the computer and television, and children lead a sedentary life.
America is one of the countries that is in serious trouble with obesity, especially childhood obesity. Therefore, in many countries, especially in America, child obesity is tried to be prevented by laws. Some measures taken in this regard are as follows: The sale of all carbonated, sugary and high-calorie beverages in schools is prohibited. Most of the fast-food foods were abolished, healthier foods started to be consumed. By law, children are obliged to walk for 20 minutes every day. Families of obese children are invited to school and they are ensured to cooperate with the school to eliminate obesity. Nutrition at school; It was created in collaboration with a doctor and a nutritionist, and children are given psychological support and new measures are added every day.
In our country, such measures have not yet been taken regarding childhood obesity and fast-food, but there is a need to address this issue as soon as possible, to control food sales in school canteens, and to provide healthy nutrition training in schools.
Although dietary treatment is not applied in obese children, if the problem has reached a serious level, the normal nutrition of the child should be evaluated and errors in food selection or amounts, if any, should be corrected. Care is taken to take main meals on time, snacks are sparse. Especially avoid chips with low nutritional value and high fat and salt content. These children are restricted to all dairy desserts, including candy, honey, molasses, chocolate, wafers, biscuits, pastries, and ice cream. Instant fruit juices, cola, soda drinks are consumed less. Weight loss of up to 1 kg per month in childhood is appropriate, faster weight loss is unhealthy. It should be ensured that the child has an adequate and balanced diet over time.
For a healthy and productive society; An active, stress-free life and proper nutrition are essential. As it is known, adequate and balanced nutrition can be defined as taking the carbohydrate, protein, fat, vitamins and minerals we need for the maintenance of life and health in appropriate amounts with various foods. In addition to the variety of food, eating with frequent and regular meals is an important rule of healthy nutrition. You can take the nutrition pyramid as a guide to make healthy food choices.
Benefits of losing weight: The risk of cardiovascular system diseases decreases, blood fats decrease, benign cholesterol levels increase, the possibility of having a heart attack decreases, high blood pressure decreases, depression decreases, fatty liver is improved.