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Childhood obesity

MSC archived stories - August 17, 2019

Aaron (11) is one of my newest children to join the family in June from the port city of Guayaquil, Ecuador.

When I did my calculation in anticipation of a big surprise, he did not disappoint me and turnout to be Obese! (BMI table in My Media) Aaron seems to be really excited about finding fitting clothes, and he writes to tell me.. “I love to eat salchipapas” – a fast food dish made of sliced pan-fried beef sausages.

 

He truly is my master of the new world! Childhood obesity is one of the most serious global public health challenges of the 21st century, affecting every country in the world. In January 2018, CI launched a new initiative called "personalized case-management approach to childhood obesity" in Ecuador and Mexico. I'm interested to know what it does to help children like Aaron.

 

And what comes to my mind is a feeling of nurturing and intervening in my capacity as his sponsor by talking about healthier food choices and the importance of physical activity to help deal with all sorts of health issues he may develop later in his life.

Comments

  1. chelaka23 March 2025 at 13:56

    The center I visited does cooking classes with the parents to teach affordable meal alternatives reducing carbs like rice and beans. There were also educational materials posted showing food groups with things identified for reduction in the diet. So the approach was centered around the whole family. The center also worked both ways on nutrition with the children as some children suffer from malnutrition.

    August 17, 2019

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  2. chelaka23 March 2025 at 13:56

    barbmc
    I would not mention their weight to a sponsored child. You could talk with CI and see what they suggest. Aaron and his family likely already know. I think to have a sponsor point that out, even indirectly, could be very hurtful and damaging to their self esteem.

    August 17, 2019

    ReplyDelete
  3. chelaka23 March 2025 at 13:57

    I wouldn't mention anything to the child. Healthy choices are sometimes too expensive for families living in poverty

    August 17, 2019

    ReplyDelete
  4. chelaka23 March 2025 at 13:57

    Thanks for sharing your views and concerns! Frosty's visiting experiences are invaluable to us. Research suggests that harm to the brain may start earlier for obese children by weakening their attention and memory – cognitive test will uncover the truth, but Aaron sounds like a very active child (CW letter saved to My Media), so only healthy habits can help tackle his obesity, like eating more fruits and vegetables, which is affordable too.

    August 17, 2019

    ReplyDelete

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