<\/span><\/h3>\nAccording to the World Health Organization WHO), the number of obese children and adolescents aged between 5 \u2013 19 years, has increased tenfold over the past four decades. In a region where convenience culture, food delivery apps and sedentary indoor lifestyles are deeply woven into daily routines, health experts warn that reversing the trend requires urgent and sustained action. Yet there is also hope.<\/p>\n
The UAE has begun taking decisive steps to reshape the food environment for families and children. Central to this effort is the UAE National Healthy Nutrition Strategy 2031, which places healthy eating at the core of family wellbeing.<\/p>\n
The strategy includes 16 initiatives aimed at promoting healthier lifestyles and strengthening food regulations. One of its most significant measures is the ban on partially hydrogenated oils (PHOs), the primary source of artificial trans fats commonly found in processed foods.<\/p>\n
Trans-fats have long been used by the food industry to extend shelf life and improve texture in products such as fried foods, packaged cakes, cookies, margarine and coffee creamers. But the health cost has been enormous.<\/p>\n
According to the WHO, more than 278,000 deaths globally each year are linked to trans-fat intake because these fats increase the risk of heart disease by clogging arteries.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Dr K.R. Menon<\/strong>
Specialist Pediatrics
Panacea Medical and Wellness Centre in Dubai<\/p>\nWith children spending long hours at school and increasingly consuming cafeteria foods and packaged snacks, the UAE\u2019s decision to remove PHOs from the food supply sends a strong message about the need to create healthier food environments.<\/p>\n
<\/span>The New Challenges<\/span><\/h3>\nExperts say childhood has changed dramatically over the past two decades.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt is more prevalent today than in the past, and the contributing factors have shifted,\u201d says Dr Menon. \u201cChildren are increasingly sedentary, largely due to higher screen time. Outdoor sports and physical activity have declined, often being limited to school hours. The availability of calorie-dense and fattening junk food has also grown, and with easy access through delivery apps, children need guidance to make healthier choices.\u201d<\/p>\n
Nutritionists point to another major transformation: the dominance of ultra-processed convenience foods.<\/p>\n
\u201cOne of the biggest contributors to childhood obesity is the increasing availability, accessibility and reliance on ultra-processed convenience packaged foods,\u201d says Nida Khan, Clinical Dietitian at Neuropedia Children\u2019s Neuroscience Center.<\/p>\n
\u201cThere has been a noticeable shift from whole fruits and vegetables and unflavored dairy products to packaged snacks like chips, sugary drinks and instant noodles. These foods are high in calories but low in fiber and nutrients, leading to low satiety and overconsumption.\u201d<\/p>\n
The problem, experts explain, is not simply that children occasionally indulge in treats. It is that unhealthy foods have become routine rather than occasional.<\/p>\n
Parents are often surprised to learn that some seemingly \u201chealthy\u201d foods can also contribute to excess calorie intake.<\/p>\n
\u201cOne major nutritional blind spot is overconsumption of nutrient-dense foods,\u201d says Nida. \u201cFoods like avocado, nut butters and smoothies are nutritious but also calorie dense. Healthy foods are not always low-calorie foods.\u201d<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\nNida also cautions families against assuming that labels such as \u201corganic\u201d or \u201cnatural\u201d automatically make products healthy. \u201cIf it says natural but has more than 20% of daily value recommendation of sugar, honey, coconut sugar etc., then it\u2019s not healthy. The same applies for the fat content \/ type of fat in the so-called healthy or natural product.\u201d<\/p>\n
<\/span>The Early Warning Signs<\/span><\/h3>\nWhat makes childhood obesity particularly dangerous is how quietly it develops.<\/p>\n
Parental weight is closely linked to a child\u2019s weight, particularly in the first five years of life, and may increase the risk of obesity later in adulthood, says Dr Menon.<\/p>\n
\u201cGenetic factors do contribute, accounting for roughly 5% of cases, although the precise mechanisms are not yet fully understood. However, most childhood obesity cases are driven by the environment primarily characterized by sedentary lifestyles and unhealthy dietary habits,\u201d he says.<\/p>\n
Rapid weight gain is often misinterpreted by parents as a sign of good health. \u201cVisible fat accumulation is another early indicator that should not be ignored,\u201d he says.<\/p>\n
<\/span>The Fallouts<\/span><\/h3>\nChildren begin by getting tired more easily. They avoid sports because they struggle to keep up with peers. Joint pain, breathlessness and disturbed sleep become increasingly common, says Dr Menon.<\/p>\n
Some children may also develop darkened or thickened skin around the neck or armpits \u2014 a possible sign of insulin resistance.<\/p>\n
Beyond physical symptoms lies another dimension that is frequently overlooked: emotional wellbeing.<\/p>\n
\u201cChildren with obesity may begin to withdraw from peers, leading to social isolation and emotional stress,\u201d says Dr Menon. \u201cThey are more likely to experience low self-esteem, depression and anxiety.\u201d<\/p>\n
For many children, obesity becomes a cycle. Emotional distress leads to comfort eating and inactivity, which in turn worsens weight gain.<\/p>\n
<\/span>Why the First 1,000 Days Matter<\/span><\/h3>\nLong before a child enters school, the foundations of future health may already be taking shape.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe first 1,000 days of life \u2014 from conception to a child\u2019s second birthday \u2014 are a critical window for long-term health,\u201d says Nida.<\/p>\n
Maternal nutrition during pregnancy, breastfeeding, infant feeding practices and the introduction of foods during weaning all influence a child\u2019s metabolic future. \u201cThe blueprint for how many fat cells you can have is highly influenced by nutrition and growth during the first 1,000 days,\u201d she explains.<\/p>\n
<\/span>This Period also Shapes Taste Preferences<\/span><\/h3>\nChildren repeatedly exposed to sugary and highly processed foods early in life are more likely to crave them later. Dr. Menon stresses that prevention must begin early.<\/p>\n
\u201cPromoting breastfeeding is an important first step, as it has been shown to reduce the risk of childhood obesity,\u201d he says. \u201cThis should be followed by establishing healthy eating habits and encouraging mindful eating from a young age.\u201d<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n<\/span>The Vital Red-Flags<\/span><\/h3>\nRegular check-ups are equally essential.<\/p>\n
\u201cRapid weight gain in the first two years can be a strong predictor of obesity later,\u201d he notes.<\/p>\n
More than just weight, experts are increasingly looking beyond BMI.<\/p>\n
\u201cChildhood body fat percentage is a strong and reliable predictor of several adult health conditions, including type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and metabolic syndrome,\u201d says Dr Menon.<\/p>\n
\u201cChildren and adolescents with obesity face both immediate and long-term health challenges. Many of the most serious consequences including cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, and musculoskeletal disorders often develop gradually and may not become evident until adulthood.<\/p>\n
![\"Nida](\"https:\/\/healthmagazine.ae\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/hm-may-17-06-03.jpg\")
<\/p>\n
Nida Khan<\/strong>
Clinical Dietitian
Neuropedia Children\u2019s
Neuroscience Center<\/p>\nNida seconds that.<\/p>\n
\u201cSomeone can have a normal body weight and high body fat percentage,\u201d says Khan. \u201cHigh body fat percentage, especially abdominal fat, can predispose an individual to obesity, diabetes, hypertension and PCOD.\u201d<\/p>\n
<\/span>Excess weight disrupts hormonal balance<\/span><\/h3>\n\u201cObesity can contribute to early puberty, elevated cortisol levels and insulin resistance,\u201d Dr Menon explains. \u201cGrowth may cease earlier due to early puberty in overweight children.\u201d<\/p>\n
<\/span>The Role of Schools and Food Environments<\/span><\/h3>\nWith children spending a large part of their day in school, canteens and lunchboxes have become critical battlegrounds in the fight against obesity, and Nida believes schools can play a transformative role.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe UAE government is actively combating childhood obesity through comprehensive initiatives, including the ban on junk food and sugary drinks in schools,\u201d she says.<\/p>\n
She suggests that schools could go even further by employing in-school dietitians, organizing workshops for parents and children, and educating families about food labels and mindful eating.<\/p>\n
The strategy is not only about removing unhealthy ingredients. It also focuses on raising awareness, promoting healthier alternatives and building systems to monitor nutrition nationwide.<\/p>\n
<\/span>What Can Families Do<\/span><\/h3>\nDespite the scale of the challenge, experts insist that small, consistent changes at home can make a major difference. One of the most effective strategies is also one of the simplest:<\/p>\n
<\/span>Avoid mealtime distractions<\/span><\/h3>\n\u201cNo distractions during mealtimes,\u201d says Nida. \u201cIt is a significant factor for mindless eating.\u201d Children who eat while watching television or scrolling through devices often fail to recognise fullness cues and consume more calories.<\/p>\n
<\/span>Maintain structured routines<\/span><\/h3>\n\u201cMaintain a good schedule for meals, physical activity and sleep,\u201d Nida advises. \u201cNo constant snacking in between meals, skipping physical play for extra screen time or sleeping less than eight hours a day.\u201d<\/p>\n
<\/span>Follow the 80-20 rule<\/span><\/h3>\nFollowing an 80-20 rule can help the families in making an informed and responsible decision. \u201c80 percent of the time try and have a nutritionally balanced meal with good amount and distribution of macro nutrients along with fiber, micronutrients and hydration. Remaining 20 percent can be restaurant food. Here too parents can make healthy choices like grilled, steamed, good proteins, etc. Having between 4 and 6 tsp of sugar per day is acceptable. Understanding this will help parents keep a balance between the \u2018yes\u2019 and \u2018no\u2019 for a sweet treat,\u201d says the nutritionist.<\/p>\n
<\/span>Parents to be role models<\/span><\/h3>\nDr Menon believes parents must lead by example. \u201cChildren often model adult behaviour,\u201d he says. \u201cMaking healthier food choices and incorporating activities like swimming or jogging into daily routines can have a positive influence.\u201d The challenge is not simply about reducing calories. It is about rethinking the rhythms of modern life \u2014 how families eat, move, sleep and connect.<\/p>\n
That is because behind every statistic is a child whose future health is still being written. Perhaps the most important lesson is this: childhood obesity does not begin with one meal or one bad habit. It develops quietly through patterns repeated over time. But small choices, repeated consistently, can alter the course of a lifetime.<\/p>\n
![\"Boy](\"https:\/\/healthmagazine.ae\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/hm-may-17-06-04.jpg\")
<\/p>\n
<\/span>Fitness Habits Every Child Needs<\/span><\/h3>\nExperts say children do not necessarily need intense workout regimens
or expensive fitness programs. What they need is movement \u2014 regular,
joyful and consistent movement.<\/p>\n
Here are some simple fitness habits that can help keep children active and reduce obesity risk:<\/p>\n
At Least One Hour of Physical Activity Daily<\/strong>
Make sure your child engages in at least 60 minutes of moderate to vigorous physical activity every day. This could include cycling, swimming, dancing, football, skating or brisk walking.<\/p>\nEncourage Outdoor Play<\/strong>
Free play outdoors helps improve cardiovascular fitness, muscle strength and emotional wellbeing. It also reduces screen dependence.<\/p>\nLimit Recreational Screen Time<\/strong>
Experts recommend setting clear screen limits and creating screen-free zones during meals and before bedtime.<\/p>\nFamily Fitness Matters<\/strong>
Weekend walks, swimming sessions, badminton games or evening jogs can make physical activity enjoyable and sustainable.<\/p>\nBuild Strength Through Play<\/strong>
Activities like climbing, jumping rope, monkey bars and playground games help build strength naturally.<\/p>\nPrioritize Sleep<\/strong>
Poor sleep is strongly associated with obesity because it disrupts hunger hormones and increases cravings for unhealthy foods.<\/p>\nHydrate Smartly<\/strong>
Encourage water instead of sugary juices, sodas and energy drinks.<\/p>\nAvoid Using Food as Reward<\/strong>
Using sweets or fast food as rewards can create unhealthy emotional relationships with food.<\/p>\nInvolve Children in Food Choices<\/strong>
Taking kids out for grocery shopping, teaching them to read food labels as well as involving them in cooking can encourage healthier eating habits.<\/p>\nFocus on Progress <\/strong>
Not Perfection. Experts warn against shaming children about weight. The goal should be lifelong healthy habits, not crash diets or unrealistic body expectations.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n