Subject File FOOD and NUTRITION: Children and Food

Children and food: challenges and opportunities

A balanced diet and healthy eating habits are essential for children's overall well-being. By providing a variety of nutritious foods, creating a positive mealtime environment, and setting a good example, parents and caregivers can help children develop healthy eating habits that will benefit them throughout their lives. 

Childhood obesity is a serious issue due to its immediate and long-term health consequences, including increased risk of chronic diseases, psychological and social problems, and higher healthcare costs. Obese children are more likely to become obese adults, who face a higher risk of developing heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes, and certain cancers. 

Health Problems:

• Increased risk of chronic diseases (type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and fatty liver disease)
• Respiratory issues (asthma, sleep apnoea)
• Joint problems (pain, potential long-term mobility issues) 
• Cardiovascular problems (heart disease, stroke) 

Psychological and Social Issues:

• Low self-esteem and body image issues: Obese children may experience negative self-perception, teasing, and bullying, leading to social isolation. 
• Depression and anxiety: Mental health problems are more prevalent among children with obesity. 
• Reduced quality of life: Obesity can affect a child's overall well-being, including their ability to participate in activities and their social interactions. 

Long-Term Consequences:

Children who are obese are more likely to remain obese as adults, perpetuating the cycle of health problems. Obese individuals often require more medical care, leading to increased healthcare costs. Obesity-related diseases contribute to a higher risk of premature death. 

Contributing Factors:

• Unhealthy diet: Excessive consumption of sugary drinks, processed foods, and large portion sizes contribute to weight gain. 
• Lack of physical activity: Sedentary lifestyles, increased screen time, and limited opportunities for physical activity contribute to obesity. 
• Environmental factors: Factors like food availability, marketing of unhealthy foods, and access to safe places for physical activity can also play a role. 

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/childhood-obesity-applying-all-our-health/childhood-obesity-applying-all-our-health

How to encourage a healthy and balanced diet among children

Ex. 1: Read more about how to speak to children about food.

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/article-9717613/Nutritionist-reveals-create-diet-plan-child.html

Ex. 2: What are healthy food combinations for children?

-> Study the info-graphic and decide on three snack combos you think kids enjoy.

https://www.annabelkarmel.com/healthy-snacks/

Ex. 3: Listen to the News Review on BBC Learning English about teenagers and their eating habits.

-> Complete the online vocabulary exercise.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/course/newsreview/unit-11/session-106

Transforming School Food

In the United Kingdom, children often have their main meals in the school canteen. Unfortunately, the food served in British schools is a matter of concern because of its quality and its negative consequences on children's health. Jamie Oliver, one of the most prominent British chefs, has been campaigning for better food in schools for two decades.

Learn more about Jamie Oliver:

https://www.jamieoliver.com/jamies-world/ministry-of-food/

https://www.youtube.com/@JamieOliver

Ex. 1: Learn more about the problems that schools face when feeding their students.

Ex. 2: Read about the ongoing concerns when it comes to school food.

Banning sausages and bacon from school dinners could save our children's lives – so why aren't we doing it?

Eating Disorders

An eating disorder is a mental health condition where you use the control of food to cope with feelings and other situations. Unhealthy eating behaviours may include eating too much or too little or worrying about your weight or body shape. Anyone can get an eating disorder, but teenagers and young adults are mostly affected. 

With treatment, most people can recover from an eating disorder.

Types of eating disorders

• anorexia nervosa (often called anorexia) – trying to control your weight by not eating enough food, exercising too much, or doing both
• bulimia – losing control over how much you eat and then taking drastic action to not put on weight
• binge eating disorder (BED) – eating large portions of food until you feel uncomfortably full

Ex. 1: Learn more about eating disorders.