Saudi Gazette A common belief among older generations of Arabs is that being overweight is a sign of good health and being part of a wealthy family. Many parents in the Kingdom believe a chubby child has good health, but fortunately, younger generations are realising that ignoring excess weight in children can affect a child's mental and physical health. According to recent study, the obesity rate among Saudi children reached around 50 percent. A study of 280 children at a public hospital in Dammam showed that 50 percent were obese, and 20 percent of those suffered from extreme obesity. A nutritionist at Saba One Medical Clinic, Hiba Bakhriba, said that obesity in children is defined as excessive fat tissue in proportion to age and gender. Bakhriba said the main causes of obesity among children were genetics, excess salary consumption and unhealthy eating habits, laziness, other psychological issues, and sometimes gland and hormonal imbalances. "The main complications resulting from children obesity could be concentrated in psychological or social issues. This could be caused because many kids in the schools and public places refuse to be friends with fat children. This action could make the fat child depressed and suffer from low or isolated social life," Bakhriba said. She said that parents should discuss obesity with their children and educate them about the importance of losing weight and having good health. Parents should praise their children's effort to lose weight and motivate them with positive reinforcement. "Contribute with your child in the effort that he or she making to lose weight and participate with him in new habits. For example, if the child quit drinking soda, do not drink in front of him and quit drinking soda so he or she does not feel upset. Let your child follow-up a healthy diet with nutrition," she said. She does not recommend surgery to solve an obesity problem.
