Thailand is sounding the alarm over childhood obesity

BANGKOK: Thailand’s health ministry said nearly 10 percent of children in the country are clinically obese, and warned the situation is likely to get worse if parents and teachers fail to improve nutrition awareness among youngsters.

According to the ministry’s Health Data Center, 9.1 percent of children aged 0 to 5 are considered overweight for their age, with this proportion rising to 13.4 percent for 6 to 14 year olds and 15 to 13 year olds 18 category rises to 13.2 percent, according to the Vietnam News Agency (VNA).

The World Obesity Federation predicts that the rate of childhood obesity is expected to double between 2020 and 2035.

A report on Thai children’s diets found that a third consume sweet snacks and drinks every day, and nearly 30 percent are allowed to choose foods solely based on their own preferences.

dr Suwannachai Wattanayingcharoenchai, head of the health ministry, said youth are being exposed to an overabundance of foods containing unhealthy levels of fat, sugar and salt.

He suggested parents and schools should teach them how to choose good food and the health implications of poor nutrition. –Bernama