T
here are approximately 10% of children below
2 years and 25% of children between 2 and 5
years who are overweight in the United States.
The number increases in the age group above 5 years
through to the adolescent years. Bermuda, though lack-
ing the ex- act numbers, is not far from this reality when
it comes to the prevalence of child/ adolescent obesity;
however, this can be both prevented and corrected.
Early infancy is one of the most critical time periods
in the development of risk for obesity. Although this is
true, one must consider that the risks of obesity exist in the
everyday choices we make for our children in regards to
food choices and accessibility to an active lifestyle.
These choices range from: choosing breastfeeding over
formula feeds; how long the baby is breastfed; and when,
how and what is introduced in the weaning period. The
recommendation is to solely breastfed (if this is possible)
for at least 4 months and introduce complementary feed-
ing between 4 and 6 months.
The type of foods being introduced is a key factor in
the establishment of patterns of taste and preference in
the subsequent years. The early introduction of fruit juices,
sugar-sweetened beverages, high glycemic load carbohy-
drates (such as white rice and white flour pastas, french
fries etc.), and highly processed foods are detrimental and
play a major role in the risk for obesity.
In the spirit of ‘it takes a village to raise a child’, as a
community we can:
1. Provide incentives to supermarkets and farmers to sell
healthier foods at an accessible price range.
2. Increase access to fresh drinking water in schools and
public places.
3. Create and maintain safe playground areas in neighbor-
hoods for physical activity.
4. Support quality daily physical education in schools and
daily physical activity in child care facilities.
5. Support breastfeeding at workplaces.
The role of the primary care provider is to identify
children who are overweight, advise and encourage changes
in dietary habits and lifestyle, and to monitor the weight over
time. The goal is to maintain a healthy growth pattern and
to avoid the occurrence of metabolic syndrome and insulin
resistance that could lead to hypertension, diabetes, and
non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. By eating right and achiev-
ing a balance in physical exercise, Bermuda’s children can
reverse the increasing statistic of obesity.
For more information on strategies to prevent and
reverse obesity, please go to the following websites:
www.eatright.org/public
www.weigh2rock.com
Recommended foods for a healthy child’s
diet include: accepting
1. Whole grains, brown rice, beans, lentils, vegetables, fruit;
2. Low-fat or non-fat milk or dairy products in diet; and
3. Lean meats, poultry and fish as sources of protein. Pediatric ServiceS
Here are a few tips for a healthy lifestyle that every-
one in the family can benefit from:
1. Eat as a family unit and make dietary decisions
together as a family.
2. Limit media time to no more than 1-2 hours of qual-
ity programming and no television time for children
younger than 2 years old.
3. Work with daycare centres and schools to provide
healthier meal options and limit the availability of
foods with added sugar, salt and fat content.
4. Provide fruit and vegetables as snack options instead of
fruit juice boxes.
5. Serve water with meals and at family gatherings instead
of sodas and drinks with added sugars.
6. Make sure your child gets enough physical activity.
7. Take advantage of supermarket discount days to get
better access to fresh vegetables and fruits.
8. Grow small size family plots of vegetables and herbs
new patients
Neonatal Care
General Pediatric Care
(Birth to 21yrs)
Routine Immunizations
School Physicals and
Adolescent Care
No Referrals Needed
dr. ayesha Peets talbot,
adult ServiceS
Internal Medicine Consultations
Specializing in Chronic Disease
Management: Diabetes, High Blood
Pressure, High Cholesterol
Specializing in Obesity and
Weight-Loss Management
Adult Appointments by Referral only
Md daBiM FaaP
Consultant Physician, Internal
Medicine and Pediatrics
Board Certified in
Internal Medicine & Pediatrics
Fellow of American Society
of Bariatric Physicians
Associates in Integrated Health (AIIH)
44 Point Finger Rd, Paget, DV04 Bermuda
Ph: 441-296-7296 | Fax: 441-296-7287
caLL today
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5/7/13 10:00 PM