Podcast: Childhood obesity numbers going the wrong way

Mzansi's childhood obesity numbers don't make for pleasant reading but where do we start as a nation to eradicate and reduce this worrying phenomenon? A paediatric expert pinpoints infant formula as a root cause

In South Africa, 13% of children between the age groups 0-5 years old are either overweight or obese. This is according to the South African Demographic Survey in 2016. It is even more unfortunate that between 2008 and 2016 we saw the highest increase of children being overweight and obese. The numbers reflect a worrying situation that forces us to look at the root of obesity.

Dr Chantell Witten, senior lecturer in community paediatrics at the faculty of health sciences at the University of Witwatersrand, joins this Health For Mzansi podcast to share her insights on the topic. She says it starts at the very early stages of infant and young child feeding. During this stage infants should be breast-fed, as this is the healthiest and optimal way to be fed, explains Witten.

Unfortunately in South Africa, breastfeeding rates are minimal, leaving children to be exposed to formula feeding, which has been scientifically proven to be related to causing overweight and obesity in children as they grow. This is because formula feeding is high in energy, regarded as processed food, and easy to over-consume.

Prone to health risks

Being overweight or obese certainly impacts the child with regard to their health and quality of life. They are more prone to risks such as asthma, diabetes, hypertension and other cardiovascular diseases. The child does not only not look well but also moves into a space of not feeling well, as mobility is usually an aspect that is compromised in this instance.

Witten says that the South African population is not well informed when it comes to good dietary knowledge and will often make decisions based on what they can afford to buy, which is generally not the healthiest option.

In the podcast, Witten also discusses:

How overweight children struggle in their adolescent and adult years.
That it is imperative that South Africa needs to improve its breastfeeding rates and invest in good nutrition education and literacy.