Growing number of overweight kids observed
In the vibrant city of Düsseldorf, Germany, a concerted effort is underway to combat child obesity and prevent related diseases such as diabetes, lipid metabolism disorders, fatty liver, and atherosclerosis. The strategy revolves around integrating lifestyle changes into everyday life for long-term effectiveness.
Key measures include nutritional interventions, promotion of physical activity, and participation in broader regional and European obesity prevention initiatives. Nutrition experts have found success with dietary concepts such as the volumetric diet (VD) and time-restricted eating (TRE) in reducing body weight and fat mass in individuals with overweight or obesity. These dietary approaches, when combined with appropriate training programs to preserve muscle mass, could potentially serve as preventive strategies for children and adolescents [1].
Promoting physical activity is another crucial aspect of the strategy. Increasing physical exercise, especially strength training multiple times per week, helps reduce fat mass and maintain muscle mass, which is vital in preventing metabolic disorders linked to obesity [1].
Düsseldorf is also part of Germany's efforts in European projects like OBELISK, which focuses on childhood obesity prevention through research and community-based strategies [3]. The Deutsches Zentrum für Diabetesforschung (DZD) plays a significant role in these projects.
The project "FreizeitFit4Kids," a joint initiative between the Regional Innovation Network Diabetes (RIN) and the Youth Welfare Office Düsseldorf, specifically focuses on promoting a balanced diet and sufficient daily exercise for children and young people from socially disadvantaged families [4]. This initiative, which has been active since 2015, aims to encourage primary school students to live a health-conscious life through lessons [5].
Notably, Professor Karsten Müssig, the head of the Clinical Study Center at the German Diabetes Center (DDZ), founded the initiative "SMS. Be smart. Join in. Be fit" in 2012 [6]. This initiative offers sports and guidance on healthy eating to help children make better nutritional choices and lead healthier lives [7].
Nutrition expert Dr. Anja Luci emphasizes the need for a changed lifestyle to permanently control obesity. She suggests that parents and their children may require professional help to manage this challenging task [8]. Both the social background and the mother's BMI have a strong influence on the weight of children, making it essential to address these factors in the fight against child obesity [9].
According to the KIGGS study, 15 percent of girls and boys aged 3 to 17 are overweight, and 6 percent are obese [10]. The number of children aged 17 and under suffering from extreme obesity increased by 30 percent between 2008 and 2018 [11]. Professor Müssig warns that an overweight life often begins in childhood, highlighting the urgency of these efforts [12].
The Düsseldorf newspaper reported this information in the spring, emphasizing the city's commitment to addressing this critical issue [13]. Dr. Luci warns that the risk that today's overweight children will be tomorrow's sick adults is high [14]. By adopting a multi-faceted approach that emphasizes sustainable lifestyle changes, physical activity, and preventive research programs, Düsseldorf is taking proactive steps to reduce these risks and ensure a healthier future for its children.
Science and health-and-wellness are significant aspects within the strategy in Düsseldorf, as nutrition experts are exploring dietary concepts like the volumetric diet and time-restricted eating to help prevent obesity in children.
Promoting physical activity is also crucial for reducing fat mass and maintaining muscle mass, which is essential in preventing metabolic disorders linked to obesity. This emphasis on physical activity and health-conscious lifestyle choices highlights a proactive approach aimed at ensuring a healthier future for Düsseldorf's children.
