Child Obesity – A Development Time-bomb

Friday, September 22, 2017  Trusteeship Council

This timely concern was organized by the Permanent Mission of Canada to the UN, World Health Organization (WHO), CARICOM, the Healthy Caribbean Coalition, and Pacific Sids.

It was stated that a large percentage of children, in the Caribbean especially, are suffering from obesity due to the increase of fast food consumption and lack of adequate exercise. Obesity is also linked to mental health wellness, poverty, and climate change.

In order to address these issues, many schools are focusing on more physical activity and having foods with less sugars in the cafeteria. In Trinidad and Tobago, there is an increase in tax on foods with sugars, and more educational programs on TV.

If children are going to be couch potatoes, then let the TV shows and games be educational! Hopefully, they become inspired to get involved in the actual activity.

It was quite surprising that in the Caribbean, where there is an excess of sunshine and opportunities to be in the outdoors, that obesity has become a common issue. From experience, the more fresh air children consume and the more they participate in sports or nature activities, the healthier they grow in mind, body, and spirit.