Junk food, processed sugar consumption behind rising childhood obesity in Nakuru, expert says

Health officials in Nakuru are raising concerns about obesity, a silent but growing threat to children under the age of five.

While much of the public health focus has traditionally been on undernutrition and micronutrient deficiencies, emerging data now shows that overnutrition is becoming an equally pressing issue, particularly in urban and peri-urban areas of the county.

The distinction between a healthy, well-fed child and one at risk of obesity is not always clear, and many parents may not realise when their child’s weight crosses into the danger zone, often mistaking excess weight for normal baby fat, according to experts.

However, if left unchecked, childhood obesity can lay the foundation for serious health complications later in life, including early-onset diabetes and high blood pressure.

According to Arthur Lord Gichuru, a clinical nutritionist and registered dietitian, childhood obesity is defined as excess body fat that negatively affects a child's health.

Due to Nakuru's rapid urbanisation, there has been a shift driven by changes in diet and lifestyle.

“We’re seeing more school-aged children between 5 and 17 years old who are overweight or obese, particularly in our urban and peri-urban areas. This is due to a combination of poor dietary habits and reduced physical activity,” he says.

He attributes childhood obesity to children consuming refined, energy-dense foods and ultra-processed snacks that are high in fat, sugar and salt.

These foods are often aggressively marketed around schools in colourful packaging or through social media, and children are also less active than they used to be. Screen time is replacing play time.

Mr Gichuru adds that the situation has worsened since most places of worship now have an in-house snack shop. Instead of carrying healthy food, parents buy processed, sweetened snacks for their children.

"Parents may also unintentionally exacerbate the problem by packing sugary drinks, fried snacks and other high-calorie foods in their children's school bags. There is a gap in nutritional knowledge. Caregivers need to understand what a balanced meal looks like and avoid using convenience foods as a substitute,” he says.

Obese children are at increased risk of developing type 1 diabetes at an early age, hypertension, fatty liver disease, and mental health issues such as anxiety and low self-esteem. They are also more likely to be obese as adults.

"Social pressures, including bullying, name-calling and exposure to unrealistic body images on social media, also contribute to harmful dieting habits," he warns.

"In extreme cases, young people end up in renal dialysis centres or enrolled in aggressive weight-loss programmes, all in a desperate attempt to gain acceptance within their communities."

To prevent obesity, Mr Gichuru stresses the importance of exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months, followed by continued breastfeeding up to the age of two alongside appropriate complementary feeding.

"We are also encouraging mothers to take their children for regular growth monitoring, limit screen time, and ensure at least 60 minutes of physical activity daily," he adds.

"Urban planning must support this by creating safe play areas, and households can contribute by embracing home-cooked meals and growing kitchen gardens to enhance access to fresh, nutritious food."

He advices parents should prioritise proper meal planning, including at least five out of the seven essential food groups in their children’s daily diet, to support healthy growth and development.