Across South Africa, campaigners are fighting against childhood obesity by promoting healthier eating. The alarming rise in overweight children—and the recent trend where their numbers now exceed underweight children—has prompted schools like the Kairos School of Inquiry in Randburg to take action.
During lunchtime at the school, students eagerly line up for meals comprising dishes like Kitchari, a nourishing mix of daal and rice served with salad, emphasizing a predominantly vegetarian menu. The policy aims not just to fight obesity but to instill lifelong healthy eating habits in children, said headteacher Marc Loon.
Globally, the United Nations reports that the number of overweight and obese teenagers has nearly tripled over the past two decades, with the number of overweight children aged five to nine rising from 69 million to 147 million. In South Africa, 22% of children under five are overweight or obese, a stark increase from 13% in 2016.
Parents at the Kairos School are encouraged to pack only whole foods in their children's lunchboxes, reinforcing the school's dietary goals. However, the growing popularity of fast food, especially in developing countries, poses a serious challenge. Convenience food is not only pervasive but also culturally ingrained, often viewed as a status symbol or treat.
Advocates from organizations like Unicef stress the importance of restricting the marketing of unhealthy fast food to children. Gilbert Tshitaudzi, Unicef South Africa's nutrition manager, points out that a child's health should not be solely their personal responsibility but also a communal and governmental concern. The environment needs to foster healthier food choices, and parents should have access to affordable nutritious food.
Unfortunately, financial constraints prevent many South African families from adopting healthier eating habits. Despite the government's introduction of higher taxes on sugary drinks in 2018, efforts to curb growing obesity rates have proven insufficient. More than anything, advocates hope for systemic changes that will pave the way for healthier future generations.
Ultimately, while schools like Kairos set a potent example, individual actions must align with broader policies to steer children towards healthier lifestyles. As the country grapples with this issue, mothers like Memory Padi strive to balance dietary choices amidst the allure of fast food for their children.
