My daughter recently shared the menu from her school shop, expressing her concern about the types of food available for six-year-olds. Much of it consisted of junk food and fast food, which, while profitable for vendors, is far from healthy. This troubling trend continues despite clear warnings about the alarming rise in childhood obesity, particularly in affluent countries. Obesity can lead to serious health complications that are often overlooked, especially in children which include a heightened risk of developing type 2 diabetes, elevated levels of harmful cholesterol, and high blood pressure -- conditions that can have dire long-term consequences.
Additionally, obesity can cause joint pain, breathing difficulties, and other health issues. The psychological effects of obesity on children are equally concerning. It can lead to sleep disturbances, anxiety, depression, and low self-esteem, particularly when children face bullying due to their weight. Their excess weight often limits their ability to participate in sports, and they may struggle with selecting or fitting into their clothes.
Many parents have noticed that as soon as the bell rings for recess, children rush to the canteen, often enduring long waits just to grab a slice of pizza or a sugary drink. This distraction takes away from them the opportunity to play and engage with their peers -- activities crucial for their physical and mental development. When it comes to meals at school, children typically rely on what they bring from home, what they buy from the canteen, or what the school kitchen provides. Each option has its drawbacks. Bringing food from home can be impractical, purchasing food from the canteen carries significant health risks, and the meals provided by schools are often costly and available in only a few places.
This is a stark contrast to the system in place during the 1950s and 1960s, when schools provided students with everything they needed -- including two pairs of shoes, a complete set of clothes, and nutritious meals prepared in a central kitchen. Back then, every child, regardless of their background, received a meal rich in calories, vitamins, and proteins essential for growth and development. To address this issue, I reached out to the relevant undersecretary at the ministry to discuss the situation. He was responsive and informed me that inspectors would be sent to several schools. He had the potential to make a significant impact, potentially safeguarding the health of thousands of children by issuing a directive to improve the quality of food sold in school shops. This action could also save the government hundreds of millions of dinars in future healthcare costs associated with treating those same children, who might suffer the consequences of unhealthy eating habits.
However, after two weeks of anticipation, I found that nothing had changed in the school shops. It seemed that greed had overshadowed the well-being of the children, leaving their health at risk. Nutritionist Maryam Al-Hamad emphasizes that a child’s dietary choices in their early years can shape their lifelong preferences. This highlights the critical need to monitor the types of food offered in school canteens and to be mindful of what children eat at home. While it’s important not to completely ban fast food, occasional indulgence is acceptable, as strict prohibitions can lead to an increased desire for those foods. Furthermore, the Ministry of Education must take action by investigating this concerning trend and devising suitable solutions to address the current health risks facing children.
By Ahmad alsarraf
e-mail: [email protected]
