Nutritionist: A third of school students suffer from obesity.. and changing habits starts from the family

She added that the lack of physical activity and the increasing reliance on phones and electronic devices instead of play and movement, as well as the lack of awareness among some families, are major factors in the problem, explaining that the belief that a plump child is a healthy child is a “wrong idea”.

Daais warned against treating obesity during adolescence as a temporary phase, stressing that it may pose a risk factor for the continuation of obesity in adulthood, and the associated health problems, such as insulin resistance and high blood pressure, in addition to its potential impact on concentration and academic achievement.

Regarding school cafeterias, Daais praised the measures taken by the Ministry of Health to limit the sale of some unhealthy foods and beverages, stressing the importance of preventing potato chips, carbonated drinks, and energy drinks, due to their high sodium, sugar, and fat content, and the potential negative effects on the health of children and adolescents.

She called for providing healthy alternatives in school cafeterias, such as fresh fruits, dairy products, and unsalted nuts in appropriate quantities, in addition to encouraging students to drink water and stay away from juices and manufactured beverages rich in sugars.

She pointed to the importance of preparing home-cooked school meals that include natural and balanced food options, such as sandwiches containing cheese or yogurt, with the possibility of using dried fruits in moderate quantities as an alternative to sweets.

Daais stressed that the role of the family is no less important than that of the school, noting that work pressures and time constraints push some families to rely more on ready-made food, calling on parents to pay attention to the quality of food available at home and the daily allowance that children receive.

She warned against using food as a means of reward or punishment, as this may link unhealthy foods to positive feelings in the child, while emphasizing the need for parents to be role models for their children in dietary habits and physical activity.

Regarding physical activity, Daais confirmed that the importance of movement is not limited to burning calories, but also contributes to improving the body's sensitivity to insulin and enhancing overall health, calling for giving physical education classes in schools their importance and not replacing them with other academic classes.

She also stressed the need to provide an environment that encourages children and adolescents to move, whether through school sports activities or setting aside time for the family to practice walking and motor activities, instead of spending long hours in front of screens.

Regarding changing dietary habits in adolescents, Daais explained that the solution does not lie in complete prohibition, but in replacement and moderation, noting that completely banning sweets may increase the desire for them, while quantities can be limited and healthy alternatives can be introduced gradually.

She called for involving children in preparing their meals, choosing healthy foods, and presenting them in an attractive way, stressing that the child is more accepting of healthy food when he participates in its preparation.

Daais concluded by stressing that the family bears a great responsibility in building healthy habits in children, saying that what is available at home and what the child sees in his parents' behaviors directly affects his choices, calling on parents to be role models in healthy food, movement, and activity.