Over 18% of children in Spain are considered obese with research showing it could be as high as 23%. The SENDO project in Navarra was set up to monitor the effect of lifestyle and diet in children and to predict the repercussions in adulthood. So far the indication is that children are falling far from recommended dietary requirements.

So, what is causing the rise in childhood obesity?

A more sedentary lifestyle, poor sleep habits and abandoning what has long been held as the traditional Mediterranean Diet. What was once a diet rich in extra virgin oil, fruit and vegetables has been replaced by a fast-food diet of hamburgers, pizza, sugary drinks which all contribute to an overall unhealthy lifestyle. Only 9% of children are eating vegetables and 29% eating fruit daily. Fattening foods are cheaper, and consequently, children from underprivileged backgrounds are most vulnerable.

What are the issues arising from obesity?

The problems stemming from childhood obesity are more than simply aesthetic. Colon cancer, heart failure and diabetes are only some of the difficulties which children carrying extra pounds during adolescence can face in adulthood. Fortunately, a study published in the European Heart Journal finds that children who have achieved a healthy weight by their 20s can reverse the
increased likelihood of cardiovascular disease in later life.

What can we do to prevent the rise of overweight children?

The need for parents to educate children at a very young age is paramount. Research shows that periods of inactivity should be confined to two hours a day. Children should be encouraged to play outside more, exercise and the use of video games should be limited. 3 out of 4 children are not eating sufficient fruit and vegetables, and it is crucial that these are reintroduced to diets. And what are we doing here to help at FeelHappyFood? Not only are we committed to providing children with diets that are rich in high fibre foods, fruit and vegetables but we go further and supply nourishing meals that are prepared with the freshest local, seasonal ingredients. Food is oven baked rather than deep fried thus reducing calories and unhealthy fats. We recognise the importance of introducing children to healthy eating habits from an early age so that they may carry these habits into adulthood.