Recent surveys reveal an alarming rise in childhood obesity rates among Thai children, moving from 5.8% to 10.6% for those aged 1-5 years, and from 5.8% to 15.4% in school-aged children. The 2020 Thai Health Survey indicates that 42.4% of Thai citizens aged 15 and above are classified as obese, highlighting a national health crisis exacerbated by daily food marketing aimed at children.
A staggering 70-80% of Thai children are exposed to advertising tactics that manipulate their snack choices, often neglecting health considerations. Without regulations to curb food and beverage marketing targeting youth, the situation may worsen; the World Obesity Federation forecasts that by 2030, half of all Thai children under 20 could be overweight or obese.
Thailand ranks third in childhood obesity in ASEAN, trailing only behind Malaysia and Brunei. The rising problem is associated with food security and literacy, as many children aged 6-14 consume an average of 1.35 packets of salty snacks daily. This trend necessitates urgent interventions to promote healthier nutritional behaviours through innovative media and community collaboration.
Health experts stress that the doubling of childhood obesity in the past decade largely stems from high consumption of sugary, fatty, and salty foods, with children at higher risk of becoming obese adults with non-communicable diseases (NCDs). Notably, a lack of exercise and stress further exacerbate this issue, leading to alarming health consequences, including cardiovascular diseases and diabetes, with substantial financial ramifications expected for healthcare systems.
Children often fall prey to advertising strategies that create unhealthy desires for food. Misconceptions among parents—that children will naturally outgrow obesity—further compound unhealthy eating habits. In response, the Thai NCDs Alliance is collaborating with health authorities to establish a law governing harmful food advertising directed at children, aiming to prohibit promotional tactics that entice young consumers.
Dr Surapong Leethochawalit, a paediatrician, identifies parenting behaviours, societal speed, and overconsumption as key contributors to childhood obesity. Associated health issues are numerous, affecting children’s physical and social development. He advocates for parents to frequently monitor their child’s health and instil better eating habits, emphasising balanced nutrition and regular exercise.
Managing childhood obesity effectively hinges on educating families about nutrition and advocating for changes in food accessibility at home. Doctors recommend fostering an environment that promotes healthy choices by limiting sugary and fatty snacks while ensuring children remain physically active, as proactive measures can greatly enhance their overall health and wellbeing.
Childhood obesity is escalating in Thailand, with recent surveys showing significant increases in overweight rates among children. Approximately 70-80% are influenced by food marketing targeting them, and without regulation, it’s projected that half of Thai children will be overweight by 2030. Collaboration among various stakeholders is essential to promote healthier eating habits and prevent this public health crisis from deepening.
The burgeoning crisis of childhood obesity in Thailand calls for immediate action. Rising rates among the youth threaten their present and future health, with effects cascading into adulthood. Strategic policy changes, parental education, and community collaboration are vital to addressing the underlying causes of poor nutrition and unhealthy habits. Only through comprehensive efforts can Thailand hope to combat this pressing health issue.
Original Source: www.nationthailand.com
