Healthy Diet and More Exercise Childhood obesity stagnates

Number of obese school children in Bavaria low

The number of obese children has risen sharply worldwide in recent years. Also in this country, many children and adolescents are far too fat. In Bavaria, the number of severely overweight first graders stagnates, but the health minister of the Free State calls parents to pay more attention to a healthy diet and more exercise in the fight against obesity of the offspring.

More and more overweight in Germany

In Germany more and more obese people live. Many children and adolescents are far too fat. Health experts repeatedly warn against underestimating the risks of being overweight. Obesity in childhood and adolescence can have dangerous health consequences, including increasing the risk of type 2 diabetes later in life. Bavaria's Health Minister Melanie Huml has now on the occasion of the European Obesity Day promoted that parents should pay more attention to a healthy diet and more exercise in their offspring.

Although the number of overweight first graders is stagnating in Bavaria, the health minister of the Free State has called for parents to pay more attention to a healthy diet and more exercise in their offspring. (Image: kwanchaichaiudom / fotolia.com)

Number of overweight first graders in Bavaria stagnates

Although the number of overweight first-graders in the Free State stagnated for years at 3.2 percent and in the school year 2003/2004 with 3.9 percent even higher, but: "But this is no reason for us to sit back," said the Minister.

"We will rather stop our efforts to tackle overweight in children and adolescents," said the CSU politician.

"It is gratifying that the obesity rate among schoolchildren in Bavaria is lower than the average for other countries."

Pay attention to a healthy diet and adequate exercise

According to the Bavarian State Office for Health and Food Safety (LGL), a total of 3,290 children - 3.2 percent - were very overweight (obese) and 5,243 children - 5.1 percent - overweight at the school entrance examinations 2014/2015.

Ten years earlier, there were still 4,417 obese and 7,400 overweight schoolchildren in the Free State.

"Despite the stagnating numbers, it is still necessary to prevent the onset of obesity even in kindergarten and school age," said Huml, who is a licensed doctor and mother twice.

"Because less than half of the children manage to get rid of once acquired obesity."

Almost two-thirds of those with obesity (65 percent) remained obese even as adolescents.

"That's why it's important that parents pay particular attention to a healthy diet and more exercise in their children," said the Minister.

Parents should be role models for children

According to information from the Robert Koch Institute (RKI), only 22.4 percent of girls and 29.4 percent of boys between the ages of three and 17 are at least 60 minutes a day physically active and thus meet the movement recommendation of the World Health Organization (WHO).

"Even in adolescence, being overweight can lead to high blood pressure, diabetes, liver damage, metabolic disorders or joint problems," explained Huml.

"In addition, significant emotional problems can come. Therefore, children and adolescents with obesity need support to achieve a normal, age-appropriate weight. The longer the overweight, the more likely it is that complications occur. "

The politician added: "Setting the course for a healthy lifestyle at an early age can often prevent common diseases such as type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease."

And: "Healthy diet and enjoyment of exercise should be a child - preferably, the whole family is involved! For a healthy body weight, an active lifestyle with a balanced diet and lots of exercise is crucial. "(Ad)