Children in the Rhineland/Hamburg region have a high rate of overweight issues, with approximately one out of every six children affected.
In an effort to combat the growing issue of child obesity, the Stiftung Kindergesundheit (Foundation for Child Health) has joined forces with a specialist in general medicine, sports medicine, nutritional medicine, psychotherapy, and a university teacher at the German Sport University Cologne. This collaboration aims to improve health literacy among children, parents, and families in Rhineland-Palatinate and Hamburg.
The Foundation for Child Health is renowned for its initiatives like the PowerKids app, which targets overweight children aged 8 to 12 and their families, promoting playful prevention and health promotion.
According to data from the AOK Rhineland/Hamburg Children's Health Atlas, nearly one in six children in the region is overweight. This concerning statistic has not gone unnoticed, with 59% of parents who have received a diagnosis for their child's obesity feeling responsible for the development.
AOK Rhineland/Hamburg, in partnership with Christine Joisten, is addressing this issue head-on by organising informative events in various cities. These events focus on fun exercise, conscious nutrition, and self-care, aiming to make family life healthier.
The events are part of a broader initiative by AOK Rhineland/Hamburg to help affected children navigate life more easily. A new lecture series is also being introduced to provide support for parents.
The survey conducted by AOK Rhineland/Hamburg in 2024 found that parents who have already received a diagnosis for their child's obesity feel better informed than those who only suspect it. However, many parents in the region are unaware of the behaviours that positively influence health, and some do not recognise that their children are significantly overweight.
This lack of awareness can lead to feelings of guilt among parents of overweight children, with 59% of them believing they are to blame for the development. Additionally, 63% of concerned parents think of social disadvantage as a potential long-term effect.
Sabine Deutscher, board member of AOK Rhineland/Hamburg, emphasises that prevention is key to a healthy life. She states, "As a family health insurance provider, we support parents in taking the best care of their children's health."
Christine Joisten, a specialist in general medicine, sports medicine, and nutrition, urges parents to focus on understanding and finding new ways rather than placing blame. She emphasises, "Children don't need perfect parents, but parents who see, understand, and accompany them."
The health risks of child obesity are significant, and the region of AOK Rhineland/Hamburg is highlighting these risks on World Children's Day (September 20). Parents who wish to attend the informative events can register at this link.
It's important to note that children with overweight and obesity are often victims of bullying. On a global scale, according to a UNICEF report, more children and adolescents worldwide are overweight than underweight.
In conclusion, the collaboration between Stiftung Kindergesundheit and AOK Rhineland/Hamburg is a significant step towards combating child obesity and improving health literacy among families in Rhineland-Palatinate and Hamburg. By focusing on prevention, education, and support, these organisations are providing a much-needed resource for parents and children alike.
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