Dubai Health Authority (DHA) took part in Pedia Arab Conference in Egypt

Dubai, United Arab Emirates, November 27, 2014: The Dubai Health Authority’s Clinical Nutrition Department took part in the first Pedia Arab Conference that was recently held in Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt.

The event discussed various aspects of pediatric nutrition. Dr Wafa Ayesh, Conference Vice- President and Director of Clinical Nutrition Department at the DHA presented a paper about the challenges of childhood obesity.

Ayesh said: “Childhood obesity is a major public health issue nationally and internationally. The prevalence of childhood obesity has increased over the last few years. It is caused by imbalance between calorie intake and calories utilized. One or more factors (genetic, behavioral, and environmental) cause obesity in children. Physical, psychological, and social health problems are caused due to childhood obesity. Hence, effective intervention strategies need to be devised and regularly updated to prevent and control obesity in children.”

She highlighted interventions include family based, school based, community based, health facility based interventions. Each one plays a vital role in combatting the problem of childhood obesity.

Ayesh highlighted the various steps taken by the DHA in collaboration with over government entities to ensure schools provide children with healthy food options.

She said while the school environment is important, parents need to understand that the home environment is equally important. “ Parents need to begin preparing heathy meals at home and they need to understand that children will copy their eating patterns so if they have unhealthy eating habits, children will pick this up. Another advise we always give parents is that we should not create positive affirmations with regard to sweets and candies. Parents often use these foods as an incentive or celebration and this is what creates a life-long positive affirmation with sweets.”

She added that parents should also take part in sports activities and outdoor activities with children.

Other subjects discussed included nutrition and non- communicable diseases and nutrition for different age groups.