A nutritionist spoke about the causes of childhood obesity and its prevention

June 2, MINSK. Ulyana Sheleg, a nutritionist at the Republican Scientific and Practical Center for Pediatric Oncology, Hematology and Immunology, spoke about the complications that occur in obese children and preventive measures at the Trends and Prospects for Food Production for Overweight Children of Preschool and School Age, BelTA has learned.

Speaking about the classification of the most common types of obesity, the specialist singled out simple (idiopathic), associated with excess calorie intake, hypothalamic, associated with diseases of the brain stem and radiation therapy, as well as iatrogenic obesity caused by taking various drugs. According to the DOCTOR, almost every pediatrician encounters such children, and these children need to be monitored, examined, helped with dieting and physical activity. The attention of neurologists is also very important, since some antipsychotics and psychotropic drugs that children take can also cause obesity.

Among the risk factors, the specialist drew attention to eating habits in the family, socio-economic and psychological factors. She also emphasized overconsumption of refined simple sugars, fatty foods, and excess MILK protein. “Studies were conducted during which scientists came to the conclusion that it is a high consumption of milk protein that promotes the release of branched-chain amino acids that stimulate the secretion of insulin. All this leads to the fact that adipose tissue begins to grow actively. However, this does not threaten breastfeeding children, because that the amount of protein in breast milk is approximately 0.8-1.4 g per 100 ml,” said Ulyana Sheleg.

The doctor also named the main ways to prevent elementary obesity in children - breastfeeding, adequate selection of mixtures and their volume, balanced nutrition, the formation of healthy eating behavior in a child and physical activity.

Uliana Sheleg suggested considering the possibility of introducing dietitians and nutritionists to the staff of children's polyclinics and hospitals, so that it would be possible to individually develop diets for children. In addition, proposals included a request for manufacturers to reduce the amount of SUGAR in baby food and expand product lines without added sugar.