Children obesity levels on the rise

Obesity in children is rising. The 2017 South African income dynamics survey found 16% of children aged five to nine, and 22% of those aged 10 to 14, were overweight or obese. Almost ten years later those numbers are certainly higher.

The SA Medical Research Council analysed the data of 430 children between 2012 and 2022 and found that many children showed health conditions usually associated with middle-aged people. For example, 46% of the children had high blood pressure, 30% had abnormal cholesterol levels and 5% were either pre-diabetic or already had type 2 diabetes.

This isn't only a South African problem. The CDC in the US estimates that 20% of US children are obese. If someone is overweight as a child, they will most likely be overweight as an adult, and suffer from a host of medical conditions like increased prevalence of heart attacks, strokes and kidney problems.

Genetic factors play a part, but the biggest influencers are the usual culprits - too much sugar, not enough exercise and excessive screentime. Obesity will continue to be an issue until there are some major shifts in societal norms.