A person who has healthy habits in childhood is likely to maintain these habits throughout adulthood. However, when this does not happen, the child can develop a series of health problems, such as obesity, for example.

Conducted a survey Fiocruz In partnership with UFMG that it University College LondonIt appears that the health of Brazilian children has deteriorated. During the study, more than 5 million children between the ages of 3 and 10 years were observed during the years from 2001 to 2014. What was found is that there was an increase of 1 centimeter in their height, but obesity and overweight also increased. But how can being overweight affect children's health?

Hey my life She interviewed pediatrician Aline Magnino, Medical Director of the Hospital Brontopepe da Criença, who brought scientific data proving the deteriorating health of children in Brazil. See what can be done to reverse this scenario.

The specialist says that she agrees with the Fiocruz study, and that over the past ten years she has noticed an increase in various health problems in children in her daily life. “We observed an increase in chronic diseases that are typical in adults (overweight, dyslipidemia and metabolic syndrome in childhood and adolescence), an increase in psychiatric illness and the number of suicides among children and adolescents, and an increase in comorbidities resulting from addiction, such as Alcohol and e-cigarette addiction.

According to the study conducted by Fiocruz, childhood obesity is a point of interest that reopens the discussion about dietary patterns during childhood, such as increased consumption of ultra-processed foods, and behavior, with a sedentary lifestyle. This condition is greater in children with more economically weak families.

Read also: Childhood obesity affects one in three Brazilian children

Based on data extracted from the information bulletin issued in December 2023 by the Brazilian Society of Pediatrics (SBP), Allen explains that the possible reasons for the deterioration of children's health may be related to difficulties that have not yet been resolved in our country:

“Such as neonatal deaths and the resurgence of preventable diseases, mainly due to low vaccination coverage, in addition to areas with infrastructural difficulties and poor basic sanitation,” the specialist stressed.

although Brazil had the lowest infant mortality rate In 28 years in 2023, with the number of deaths decreasing by approximately 62% compared to 1996, there is a big difference in these numbers compared to other countries.

Hey UNICEF report He points out that in developing countries, such as Brazil, the average neonatal mortality is 27 deaths per thousand births. In developed countries, this rate is only three deaths per thousand.

Allen highlights this, based on data from Newsletter of the Brazilian Academy of Pediatrics (ABP)There is an increase in the number of children with medically complex illnesses – they already represent 15% to 18% of the child population, and they are:

Although the reality is somewhat scary, it is possible to reverse this situation. There are many measures that can be taken to improve this situation and ensure a healthier future for our children.

Improving the quality of food: It is necessary to promote nutrition education from the first years of life, encourage the intake of nutritious foods and combat excessive consumption of ultra-processed foods high in sugar and fat.

Expanding vaccination coverage: Vaccines are one of the most effective ways to prevent diseases. Ensuring that all children receive recommended vaccines is critical to protecting their health and preventing outbreaks of preventable diseases.

Taking care of mental health: Children’s mental health is no less important than their physical health. Investing in accessible, quality mental health services can help identify and treat problems early, ensuring children's emotional well-being.

Furthermore, it is essential that all children have access to quality health care from an early age. Expanding and strengthening primary health care services, with well-trained specialists, helps identify and treat health problems early.

Read also: Children with thin parents are more likely to be of normal weight