Risks Of Obesity In Children Increase Due To Wrong Snacks

Illustration of children consuming sweet snacks that increases the risk of obesity (Freepic)

JAKARTA - Obesity in children is not just an overweight problem, but a serious condition that can increase the risk of metabolic disorders such as diabetes, hypertension, and even heart disease at a young age.

A modern lifestyle characterized by excessive sweet food consumption and lack of physical activity is one of the main causes.

One of the wrong habits commonly used by parents is to make food, especially sweet snacks, a tool to calm children's emotions without realizing it, this is actually the main trigger for obesity from an early age.

Consultant's Pediatrician Dr. Piprim Basarah Yanuarso, Sp.A(K), graduated from the University of Indonesia, highlighted the habits of parents who provide sweet snacks when their children cry as a wrong parenting.

"This is a habit that must be changed. Providing sweet foods as a sedative is not only unhealthy, but can be the root of various problems, one of which is central obesity," he said as quoted by ANTARA.

As the General Chair of the Indonesian Pediatrician Association (IDAI), Dr. Piprim emphasized that diet has a big role in triggering obesity in children. In addition to the excess calorie intake factor, food types that contain high sugar and flour also play a significant role.

Children who are accustomed to eating sweet foods and drinks, as well as flour-based snacks, tend to feel hungry faster and more often, so the diet cycle becomes out of control.

This habit triggers persistent appetite. Eat snacks, drink sweet, then get hungry again. It's a pattern that repeats itself and is very risky," he explained.

On the other hand, he recommends providing intake that is rich in animal protein because it is able to provide a feeling of fullness longer. Protein animalization helps children feel full and not easily hungry, this is important to prevent overeating habits," he added.

Dr. Piprim also explains that spikes in blood sugar due to sugar consumption can cause short-term side effects on children's emotional conditions, such as anger, urine, and tantrum behavior. In the long term, consumption patterns like this can cause central obesity, insulin resistance, hypertension, and metabolic syndrome that can eventually lead to stroke or heart attacks at a young age.

"We are now seeing more and more teenagers experiencing hypertension and diabetes. This is no longer an adult problem. The main trigger is the diet, especially food, which causes a drastic increase in blood sugar and decreases quickly, so the body continues to feel hungry," he said.

Furthermore, he reminded that children's diet is greatly influenced by the family environment. Therefore, the role of parents is very important in shaping healthy eating habits from an early age, in order to prevent various chronic diseases in the future.