Obesity among school children is a growing problem that is caused by an energy imbalance where calories consumed exceed calories expended. Rates of obesity have increased due to diets high in fat and low physical activity from sedentary electronics use. Childhood obesity increases risks for health issues like cardiovascular disease and diabetes. It also can cause social and psychological problems. Schools and parents must work together to encourage healthy eating, physical activity like traditional games instead of electronics, and be role models for active lifestyles to help manage and prevent childhood obesity.

1. Obesity in Schools
Jade Tubeo-Padua
At their most basic words World Health Organization (WHO) defines obesity as an abnormal
or excessive fat accumulation in the body that may impair health. Body Mass Index (BMI) is a simple
index of weight for height that is commonly used to classify overweight and obesity in adults. It is
defined as a person weight in kilograms divided by the square of his height in meters (kg/m²)
The fundamental cause of obesity and overweight is an energy imbalance between calories
consumed and calories expended. In the country there has been an increase in the intake of energy
dense foods that are high in fats and an increase in physical inactivity due to the increasingly
sedentary nature of many forms of games in the phone of our school children.
Raised BMI is a major risk factor for non-communicable diseases such as cardiovascular
diseases, which were the leading cause of death in 2012. Diabetes, musculoskeletal disorders and
some cancers. The risk of these non-communicable diseases increases, with the increase of BMI.
Childhood obesity is associated with a higher chance of obesity, premature death and
disability in adulthood. In addition to future risks, obese school children experience difficulty in
breathing, increased risks of fractures, hypertension, early markers od cardiovascular diseases,
insulin resistance depression and psychological effects.
Overweight and obesity among school children, as well as their related non communicable
diseases, are largely preventable. Supportive school environments and communities are
fundamental in shaping these school children’s choices, by making the choice of healthier foods in
the school canteen and regular physical activity such as playing traditional Filipino games rather than
getting nailed on the chair playing cellphone games. This is the choice that is accessible, affordable
and available. It also could prevent obesity and being overweight.
Individual responsibility can only have its full effect if schoolchildren will practice a healthy
lifestyle. Therefore, at the school level it is important to support the school children in following the
recommendations made mention. Include physical activities and sports in their daily schedule. This
may require parents allowing their children to play every day. This helps ensure that there is less
accumulation of fats in school children’s bodies. In some instances, parents will have to strict about
the use of sedentary video games.They ought to insistthat the children participate in outdoor games
that involves running, jumping and sweating. A typical one to two hours is sufficient for the child’s
health without causing fatigue or disruption of other activities especially academics.
Most importantly parents are tasked with the role of being examples and role models to their
children. Parents should maintain healthy eating lifestyles and even constant workout routines. This
encourages the children to be equally active and hence reduce the possibility of childhood obesity.
Child obesity is acommon problem in today’s school and societydue to behavioral and dietary
changes. It has become more common due to the increase risk factor that cause obesity. However,
it is possible to manage the problem through adequate support and guidance by both parents and
the school. The control of the problem aids in averting future health complications associated with
excessive weight or obesity.
Workcited:Cameron, Noel, N. G. Norgan and G. T.H. EllisonChildhood Obesity Contemporary
Issues