While malnutrition in Rwanda is still largely associated with children who don’t get enough food, improved living standards mean there is a growing risk of children becoming overweight or even obese due to a poor diet.
According to the ministry of health, children who are overweight or obese can develop health problems during childhood because of their weight. These include type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol levels, fatty liver disease, gallstones and risk factors for heart disease.
Being overweight or obese as a child or teenager can also have psychological effects for some, as it can lead to low self-esteem and a lack of confidence due to bullying. Such children may become withdrawn and avoid social contact, and this may lead to low mood and, in severe cases, depression.
Such health problems have traditionally affected adults, with overweight and obese adults having an increased risk of developing them, but because of the rise in childhood obesity, they are now affecting younger people.
Fortunately, if overweight and obesity are treated in childhood, these health problems may be reversed or prevented.
As a parent, it can sometimes be difficult to tell that your child is overweight. A child may not look particularly heavy, and because more children are becoming heavier at a younger age, people are becoming used to that.
For kids younger than 2, doctors use weight-for-length charts to determine how a baby’s weight compares with his length. Any child who falls at or above the 85th percentile may be considered overweight.
“If your child is overweight or obese, this means that they are carrying excess body fat,” explains Alexis Mucumbitsi, nutrition expert at Minisante. “If nothing is done about this, the extra weight that they are carrying may cause problems for their health.”
“The DHS 2010 shows that 7% of under-five children in Rwanda are overweight, and the problem is mostly appearing in children from middle- and high-class families with limited knowledge about healthy eating, and idle lifestyles for their children,” Mucumbitsi adds. “They are likely to spend less time exercising and more time in front of the TV, computer, or video-games. And today’s busy families have fewer free moments to prepare nutritious, home-cooked meals and are fond of unhealthy food – quick and easy is the reality for many people.”
He remarks that research by Minisante shows that 52.6% of children between the ages of 6 and 12 have overconsumption of sugar, and 53% of household in Kigali feed their children on a diet highly packed with oil.
How you can know that your child is overweight
Depending on your child’s BMI (or weight-for-length measurement), a doctor may refer you to a registered dietitian for additional advice and, possibly, might recommend a comprehensive weight management program.
Nutrition expert Alexis Mucumbitsi says 53% of household in Kigali feed their children on a diet highly packed with oil. (photo Diane Mushimiyimana)
Fortunately, if overweight and obesity are recognized and treated in childhood and the teenage years, the problem is easier to solve.
One of the best ways to instill good habits in your child is to be a good role model. Children learn by example. Any changes you make to your child’s diet and lifestyle are much more likely to be accepted if the changes are small and involve the whole family.
All children need about 60 minutes of physical activity per day for good health, but it doesn’t need to be all at once. Several short 10-minute or even 5-minute bursts of activity throughout the day can be just as good as an hour-long stretch.
In this context, parents should also limit the time children spend on inactive pastimes like watching TV, playing video games and playing on electronic devices. There’s no hard and fast advice on how much is too much, but experts advise that children should watch no more than two hours of television each day, and remove all screens (including mobile phones) from their bedroom at night.
Apart from physical activities, diet is also important. Children, just like adults, should aim to eat five or more portions of fruit and vegetables every day. They’re a great source of vitamins, minerals and fiber.
“Discourage your child from having too many sugary or high-fat foods like sweets, cakes, biscuits, some sugary cereals and soft drinks,” Mucumbitsi advises. “These foods and drinks tend to be high in calories and low in nutrients. Aim for your child to get most of their calories from healthier foods such as fruit and vegetables, and starchy food such as bread, potatoes, pasta and rice. And switch sweet drinks for water.”
