Summer vacation is not over yet, but many parents are surprised to see their children change in shape – not because they are taller, but because they are unusually “plump”. Every summer, some children can gain 2-5kg in just a few months if their lifestyle and nutrition are not controlled. It is worth mentioning that this weight gain is not always properly recognized by parents.
According to data from the National Institute of Nutrition, the rate of overweight and obesity in children in urban areas in 2023 exceeded 41%, while in rural areas it was 18%. What is worrying is that the rate of increase occurs most rapidly during long holidays – especially in the summer, when children's lifestyles are completely changed.
Professor, Dr. Le Danh Tuyen - former Director of the National Institute of Nutrition explained: "In the summer, many children have a long break from school but do not participate in physical activities, instead they stay up late, wake up late, watch TV, play video games and eat uncontrollably. This is the reason why body weight increases abnormally quickly in just 2 - 3 months."
Reporters conducted a quick survey in the Hanoi area, more than 30% of parents admitted that they “did not intervene” in their children’s eating, sleeping and playing habits during the summer. In fact, most parents are more concerned about their children’s summer studies than their weight. Many parents still hold the view that “summer is the time for children to relax”, and do not closely monitor their children’s daily activities.
“If your child is on vacation, let him relax. After all, when the school year starts, if he doesn’t eat as well as at home, he will naturally lose weight,” said one parent. However, this “relaxation” has become a risk that causes many young children to gain weight uncontrollably, especially primary school children and pre-pubescent children – the age group that is not yet able to regulate their eating and exercise behaviors.
In fact, many children have fallen into the overweight and obese group after the summer vacation without their parents realizing it. Some grandparents and parents even consider children being “plump and fleshy” as a sign of good health, leading to forcing their children to eat more than necessary. Associate Professor, Dr. Bui Thi Nhung, Department of Nutrition (Mat Troi Hospital) shared: “We have encountered many cases where when doctors informed their children were overweight or obese, parents were shocked because they had always thought their children were chubby and cute.”
Faced with the reality of children gaining weight rapidly during the summer vacation, many parents begin to worry, but not everyone knows how to intervene properly. Meanwhile, nutritionists and health experts emphasize that preventing obesity in children cannot wait until the school year begins. All adjustments need to be made right from the first days of summer vacation - with small but sustainable actions: reasonable meals, regular sleep, daily exercise habits.
Professor, Dr. Le Danh Tuyen - former Director of the National Institute of Nutrition said: "The current diet of many urban children has excess protein, fat, and sugar but lacks green vegetables, vitamins, and minerals - leading to the phenomenon of "overweight but malnutrition".
A survey showed that urban children consume 200% more protein and 130% more fat than they need, while the amount of vegetables is only half the recommended amount. This not only makes children gain weight easily but also causes immune system decline and metabolic disorders right from school age.
In principle, the diet for children in the summer - especially for those who are overweight - needs to ensure a balance between the four main food groups: starch, protein, fat and vitamins - minerals. Avoid overusing red meat, fried foods, condensed milk, soft drinks and candies. Prioritize foods rich in fiber, low-sugar fruits, unsweetened yogurt, whole grains and green vegetables.
According to research, many Vietnamese children now spend more than 4-6 hours a day in front of screens in the summer, 2-3 times higher than recommended. As a result, not only does it increase the risk of obesity, but it also affects vision, sleep, and concentration. Parents should set up “no-device time” during the day and instead include crafts, reading, drawing, and cooking with the family, which are both healthy and engaging options.
Source: https://baolaocai.vn/mua-he-va-noi-lo-beo-phi-o-tre-nho-post878598.html
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