Sensitization campaign on the prevention of obesity in school-aged children

Sensitization campaign on the prevention of obesity in school-aged children

To commemoration the World Obesity Day, celebrated every March 4^th, the Wellness Center of the J&A Oben Foundation organized a sensitization campaign to educate pupils on the best nutritional habits to prevent obesity. This campaign took place at the HADASSAH Comprehensive School Simbock under the theme “Prevention of Obesity in School-Aged Children: Let’s Help them Grow in Good Health." The target were class 4 and 5 pupils, and the objective of this campaign was to educate them about healthy eating habits, the benefits of physical activity, and the risks associated with obesity. The head of the wellness Center, Mrs. Crista Arrey Tabi in her presentation told the pupil that adopting healthy eating habits from a young age can have a significant impact on their future health.

On their part, Miss Edoa Abeng and Kang Suzy, Dietitians of the J&A Oben Foundation presented the causes and prevention of obesity respectively. They highlighted that consuming sugary foods and drinks in high quantities, the absence of exercise, and the lack of adequate sleep are the most causes of obesity in children. “Obesity can be prevented by eating lots of fruits and vegetables, drinking water regularly, eating at regular hours, carrying out regular physical activity amongst other” they told the pupils.

The wellness center distributed bottles of water and an apple each to the pupils as a means to encourage them to eat fruits and drink water frequently.

Obesity is defined as abnormal or excessive fat accumulation that presents a risk to health. A body mass index (BMI) over 25 is considered overweight, and over 30 is obese.