05/03/2026
World obesity Day yesterday:
Nigerian parents I am specifically addressing this to you.
Being a clinical Dietitian -Nutritionist consultant and some one who has struggled with weight and also using my own personal experience and experts to manage and support others.
From my experience, I have noticed mothers are mostly bothers when their kids are obese.
Often, I have seen concerns mom running Helter skelter looking for immediate support for their obese children (Teneengers).in the facility.
Most of the time,they seek support when they start noticing health challenges with those kids.
listen what
Many parents say:
"My child is just enjoying good life."
"He will slim down when he grows."
Or
"leave him ,he is very active and he will burn it out"
But the truth is, childhood obesity is quietly becoming a serious health problem.
Today many children are growing up on:
Too many sugary drinks and packaged juices from Monday to Friday.
• Biscuits, noodles, pastries, sweets, chocolates, candy and snacks every day
• Too much screen time and very little outdoor play
Meanwhile, our traditional foods that once kept families healthy are slowly disappearing from the table.
What many mothers don't realize is you are a product of what you consume.
Also according to evidence based research when 2 parents are obese, their children have 💯 % chance of being obese.
When 1 parents are obese, there is a 50% chance of the children being obese.
That is genetic at play.
But early healthy life style change can curtail the excess.
childhood obesity can increase the risk of:
Diabetes at a young age
• High blood pressure
• Heart problems later in life
• Low self-confidence and bullying
The good news?
Prevention starts at home.
As an obese parent who is aware of the role of genetic or normal weight parents.
Simple things you can do:
families can start today:
✔ Let children drink more water instead of sugary drinks
✔ Reduce daily biscuits, sweets, and ultra-processed snacks
✔ Serve balanced meals with beans, vegetables, fruits, whole grains, and protein
✔ Encourage active play instead of long hours on phones or TV
✔ Eat together as a family and model healthy habits.
Educate, advise and encourage them to eat healthy.
Stop buying those triggers.
Remember, children don’t just listen to us — they copy us.
A healthy home today builds a healthier generation tomorrow.
Let’s raise children who are strong, active, and well-nourished.
