Prof. Francis Zotor urges action on childhood obesity
The prevalence of childhood obesity and overweight is increasingly recognized as a pressing public health concern across the globe, transcending boundaries between developed and developing nations.
In Ghana, a recent systematic review and meta-analysis shed light on the gravity of this issue, prompting discussions and actions within the public health sphere.
During a pivotal webinar organized by the Ghana NCD Alliance, Prof. Francis B. Zotor, an esteemed public health nutritionist, emphasized the alarming implications of childhood obesity, particularly in the context of Ghana.
Notably, he drew attention to the escalating threat posed by Front of Pack Labelling (FOPL), which has emerged as a contributing factor to the rise in childhood obesity rates.
Prof. Zotor highlighted the gender disparities in childhood obesity, with girls exhibiting higher prevalence rates compared to boys. He underscored various determinants of childhood obesity, including age, sex, parental education levels, dietary habits, and sedentary lifestyles.
“Childhood obesity in children is higher among girls (27.2%) than boys (19%),” he remarked.
Recognizing the significance of FOPL, Prof. Zotor endorsed its role as a valuable tool for providing nutritional information to consumers. By enhancing consumer awareness and influencing food industry practices, FOPL serves as a catalyst for healthier dietary choices and product reformulation.
Moreover, Prof. Zotor underscored the need for heightened vigilance among parents and caregivers, urging them to scrutinize food labels for harmful additives such as Bisphenol A (BPA), which have been linked to childhood obesity.
“We have to be on the lookout for labels to check whether our foods and drinks contain Bisphenol A (BPA) which has an effect on the development of children as they are growing up. It has contributed a lot to childhood obesity in the country,” he remarked.
In his closing remarks, Prof. Zotor articulated a set of recommendations aimed at combating childhood obesity comprehensively. These recommendations encompassed advocating for policy reforms to create healthier environments; fostering partnerships with diverse stakeholders; and empowering parents and caregivers to promote healthy lifestyles at home and in the community.
The webinar organized by the Ghana NCD Alliance epitomizes the nation’s steadfast commitment to public health and the collective endeavor to address the burgeoning crisis of non-communicable diseases (NCDs). It also serves as a platform for fostering dialogue, sharing knowledge, and mobilizing efforts toward building a healthier and more informed society.
In essence, the webinar underscores Ghana’s proactive stance in confronting the challenges posed by childhood obesity, while also reaffirming its dedication to advancing public health initiatives for the betterment of its populace.
