Childhood Obesity, 5 Reasons Why Handphone May Contribute to It

“Childhood obesity and overweight occur in one of three children in Malaysia.”

Take a moment to observe our surroundings.

It is evident that children today are heavily attached to their gadgets—whether it be phones, computers, tablets, or televisions.

It appears they are unable to disconnect from the online world.

From playing video games to watching TikTok, YouTube, and Netflix, or scrolling through Instagram and Pinterest—the list goes on.

This behavior occurs regardless of time or place.

TOTAL TIME SPENT ON GADGETS

If we calculate the total, it is not surprising that children today spend approximately 7-8 hours per day on their gadgets. This amount is excessive.

In contrast, many child health experts recommend limiting screen time to just 1-2 hours per day.

This recommendation aims to protect the physical and psychological well-being of our children.

This current situation can, in fact, be regarded as gadget addiction.

It is therefore not surprising that in China, the government has adopted a strict approach.

They have banned online gaming for individuals under 18 years old on weekdays, and even on weekends, the kids are limited to only 3 hours of gameplay.

GADGET ADDICTION: A CAUSE OF INCREASE IN CHILDHOOD OBESITY

According to the Malaysian Ministry of Health’s website, the prevalence of obesity among children and adolescents in Malaysia is on the rise and has reached 30%.

One of the contributing factors to this issue is gadget addiction.

You may wonder how gadgets such as mobile phones, computers, tablets, and televisions can lead to childhood obesity.

Here are the reasons behind this situation.

1. Staying up late

It is unsurprising that children today tend to go to bed later than in previous generations.

This phenomenon is largely due to their prolonged engagement with electronic gadgets, which subsequently makes it difficult for them to fall asleep.

Children who stay up late often exhibit a greater overall food intake.

The reason for this is straightforward: they have more waking hours compared to those who go to bed earlier.

Research has indicated that such individuals are more prone to engaging in “late-night snacking.”

This is hardly unexpected, as staying up late often leads to visits to the kitchen.

They open the refrigerator to take a cold sugary beverage or reach into the cupboard for snacks.

Consequently, their daily caloric intake is increased.

2. Lack of sleep

A study published in the Sleep Health Journal defines the recommended sleep duration for children as follows:

Preschool children (ages 3-5): 10-13 hours per day
School-age children (ages 6-13): 9-11 hours per day
Adolescents (ages 14-17): 8-10 hours per day

In the context of gadget addiction, it becomes challenging for children to achieve the recommended sleep duration.

They tend to go to bed late, yet still need to wake up early in the morning for school.

As a result, these children often experience sleep deprivation.

Sleep deprivation can disrupt the hormonal system that regulates appetite, particularly the hormones ghrelin and leptin.

To provide some context, ghrelin is a hormone secreted by the stomach, responsible for signaling hunger to the brain.

This hormone generally peaks before meals, when the stomach is empty, and decreases after eating.

Leptin, conversely, is a hormone released by fat cells, which functions to suppress hunger and send signals of satiety to the brain.

However, when a child experiences sleep deprivation, the balance between these hormones becomes disrupted.

The body produces more ghrelin and less leptin, leading to increased feelings of hunger and, consequently, an elevated appetite.

Moreover, sleep deprivation in children is frequently associated with reduced cognitive function.

As a result, they are more inclined to choose unhealthy food in their daily diet.

3. Heavy influence of commercial advertisement

While watching YouTube, playing games, or watching television, advertisements inevitably would pop up.

Many of these advertisements promote food or beverages, which rarely features healthy foods.

The majority of them are for fast food (cue the familiar “para pap pap paaaaaa” jingle).

Additionally, there are advertisements for soft drinks and processed foods.

Or, ads promoting snacks such as candies and chips, which are known for their high sugar, salt, and fat content.

These advertisements effectively induce children to try to consume these products.

Research indicates that obese children are particularly susceptible to such advertisements.

As a result, they tend to consume twice the amount of foods that are low in nutritional value and lacking in essential vitamins.

4. Habit of eating while preoccupy with gadget

Many children today engage in “multi-tasking,” often performing two or three activities simultaneously. One common example is eating while watching television or using electronic devices.

This habit is highly detrimental to their health, as it serves as a significant distraction.

Why is this concerning?

When children eat while in front of a television, smartphone, tablet, or computer, their focus is generally more on the screen than on the food they are consuming.

Because of this distraction, they become less aware of the taste and quantity of the food they are eating.

Additionally, this behavior prolongs the time it takes for them to finish their meal.

Consequently, this can lead to overeating and childhood obesity.

5. Lack of physical activities

It is evident that, in the past, children enjoyed playing outdoors.

Activities like jumping rope, hopscotch, tag, and other outdoor games were popular until parents called them home.

In contrast, children today spend much of their time indoors with electronic gadgets, which do not provide sufficient physical activity to burn calories.

When coupled with unhealthy eating habits, as previously described, it becomes evident why the use of gadgets can be a contributing factor to childhood obesity.

NEGATIVE IMPACT OF CHILDHOOD OBESITY

There are those who may perceive childhood obesity as something endearing (and cute too).

In fact, some even regard it as a sign of having good health for the children.

However, let me emphasize that this is a misconception. Obesity poses significant risks to both the physical and mental well-being of our children.

1. Risk of chronic diseases

I would like to highlight a statement from a Medical Lecturer at the Department of Family Medicine, School of Medical Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM):

“Obesity has substantial long-term consequences, including an increased risk of developing conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, and high cholesterol. The combination of these conditions, along with obesity, is known as ‘Metabolic Syndrome,’ which significantly elevates the risk of early-onset heart disease. Additionally, individuals with obesity are at greater risk of developing fatty liver disease.”

Prof Madya Dr Razlina Abdul Rahman, Berita Harian, 3 Mei 2023

2. Sleep apnea and learning difficulties

Those who are suffering from childhood obesity often experience fat accumulation around the neck area.

This can lead to obstructive sleep apnea, a condition in which oxygen levels decrease during sleep due to a blocked airway, causing snoring and breathing difficulties. In more severe cases, it may result in periods of breathlessness while sleeping.

Such disruptions significantly affect sleep quality, leaving children feeling drowsy and fatigued during the day. Consequently, their learning ability may be compromised, potentially impacting their academic performance when compared to their peers.

It is truly concerning for their growth.

3. Possibility of early puberty for overweight girls

Research indicates that overweight girls are more likely to experience early puberty compared to those with a normal BMI.

This is due to the impact of obesity on estrogen levels in the body. Estrogen is crucial for sexual growth and development in females.

Early onset of puberty in girls is a worrying trend, as it elevates their risk of developing breast cancer later in life, compared to peers who mature at a typical age.

4. Easy target for bullies

Children struggling with obesity often become easy targets for bullying, ridicule, and discrimination from their peers.

When this occurs to an excessive degree, it can severely impact their self-esteem and confidence. Additionally, the emotional toll can increase the likelihood of anxiety attacks and severe depression.

HOW TO PREVENT CHILDHOOD OBESITY?

Given the numerous adverse consequences of childhood obesity, it is crucial that we, as concerned parents, take proactive measures.

This is to safeguard the long-term physical and mental health of our children.

Some effective strategies to minimize the risk of obesity in children include:

1. Encourage the children to be physically active

There are several effective activities that can be implemented.

One example is for parents to take their daughters to the park on weekends, giving them the opportunity to run, jump, walk, and engage in physical exercise.

Additionally, at school, encourage them to participate in extracurricular activities such as sports, uniformed clubs, aerobics, and other physical pursuits.

These activities not only promote fat burning and weight control but also help to divert their focus away from excessive gadget use.

2. Cultivate Healthy Eating Habits within the Family

There is an old adage that states:

“The stomach is the home of disease.” Or,

“The stomach is the root of most illnesses.”

The message here is that many health problems arise from what we consume.

To combat the rise of childhood obesity, it is important to limit processed foods, sugary items, and fast food in their diets.

Instead, focus on a balanced diet rich in essential vitamins and minerals to support their physical and mental development.

Furthermore, discourage the habit of eating while watching screens, as it can lead to overeating.

MULTIVITAMIN FOR KIDS

Vitalea for Kids is a multivitamin supplement specifically designed for children by Shaklee.

If your children tend to skip vegetables and fruits, this supplement can help ensure they receive comprehensive nutritional support.

Vitalea for Kids offers a variety of essential vitamins and minerals, including vitamins A, B, C, D, and E, alongside crucial elements for their growth such as calcium, magnesium, and iron.