In South Africa, childhood obesity and hunger are coexisting

In South Africa, there is a paradox: either children go hungry or they eat too much of the wrong food. Over and undernutrition coexist. Both are harmful to children’s mental and physical development as well as their long-term health.

Both “extremes” lead to malnutrition. While the effects are not always immediately evident, they can be significant over time, affecting whether or not chronic diseases like obesity, hypertension, and high cholesterol develop.

Malnutrition occurs when there is an inadequate intake of nutrients. Malnutrition is caused either by not eating enough, eating the wrong food, or not being able to utilize the food you eat. The body fights to resist and grow.

Undernutrition

Undernutrition is a constant enemy for children in rural informal areas of the country. This suggests that children go to school hungry and arrive with an empty stomach every day. It is easier to understand how some children become irritable or fall asleep during class while others might even begin to avoid school.

Data suggests, however, that these children are not eating enough fruits and vegetables. This is particularly concerning for 15-24-year-olds. It has also been confirmed by other research that looked at younger learners.

The Department of Basic Education has implemented a national school nutrition program that provides daily fruit and vegetables to many children. This is a positive step. This part of the program has not yet been evaluated.

A study found that up to 23 % of boys in informal rural areas suffer from stunted development as a consequence of malnutrition. Undernutrition is directly responsible for their stunting. They are undernourished and develop infections in childhood or fetal development as a result.

The World Health Organisation defines stunting as a height value that is less than two notches below normal.

Stunting can result in delayed mental development and, consequently, cognitive ability. This has long-term effects on being able to get a job or productivity at work.

Overnutrition

In South Africa, there are many obese and overweight children and adolescents, especially in the urban areas.

In the report card Healthy Active Kids from last year, which evaluated the health and wellbeing of South Africa’s children, over the past four years, the obesity grade among children dropped from C to D. It means that the number of obese children is increasing.

This is due to a number of factors. This includes less active children and a lack of physical education at school. Many children eat fast food and convenience foods.

Fast food is becoming more popular in South Africa. Shutterstock

The consumer research found that South Africans purchased more fast food during the four weeks before the survey. This number increased from 57% to 65% in 2011.

Many children also do not take lunch boxes to school and regularly buy sugary foods from the [tuckshops](http://www.hsrc.ac.za/uploads/pageNews/72/SANHANES-launch%20edition%20(online%20version.pdf). The BMI of children who buy more from tuckshops is higher. They are also more likely to become overweight or obese, which can increase their risk for chronic diseases such as diabetes and hypertension. This also affects their self-esteem.

In addition, the 2014 report card showed that South Africa does not have any regulations regarding food marketing to children.

These acts are not yet promulgated, despite certain provisions in the draft legislation which specifically prohibit “advertising foods that do not constitute a healthy diet or healthy lifestyle for children under 16”.

A recent analysis of over 1500 television ads revealed that 44% were related to food. The food ads were aired at times when families were watching television. The foods that were most frequently advertised included starchy foods and sugary drinks.

Research has shown a strong correlation between the increase in advertising of unhealthy foods and childhood obesity rates. Children, especially young children, cannot tell the difference between advertising and programming. Children seem to remember advertising particularly well, which is shown to lead to product preferences. It also affects their parents’ purchase requests.

Nutritional challenges: How to deal with them

The issues surrounding nutrition in the South African youth are complex and multi-faceted, and there is no simple solution.

We must ensure that hungry children get fed and those with too many choices choose the right food. Education is the key to a successful government policy and action. The effectiveness of school nutrition programs has been proven, but they need funding and government support.

It is important to educate children on the importance of a healthy lifestyle and how to make good food choices. Teachers and parents should also be educated to ensure that the children have only healthy food options at home and in school, that junk foods are limited and physical activity is made fun. Play and enjoyment are more important than formal sports.