The Prime Minister is concerned about the health of Thai children who are overweight and obese.

The Prime Minister is concerned about the health of Thai children, who are overweight and obese, ranked in 1 in 3 in ASEAN, asking parents and guardians to ensure that children consume nutritious food. Take advantage of your free time during the semester break. with exercise activities to prevent obesity

Mr. Anucha Burapachaisri Deputy Secretary-General to the Prime Minister for Political Affairs Acting as a spokesman for the Prime Minister’s Office revealed that General Prayut Chan-o-cha, Prime Minister and Minister of Defense Concerned about the health of Thai children who are overweight and obese. behind the Department of Health Ministry of Public Health

Revealing data that Thai children are overweight and obese, ranked 1 in 3 in ASEAN, which the World Obesity Federation predicts that by 2030, the population under 20 years of age will be overweight and obese, increasing by almost 100 percent. 50. The Prime Minister expressed his concern to the children, asking parents and guardians to take care of their children’s health. to eat nutritious food Add exercise to prevent obesity, especially during this semester break.

Mr. Anucha mentioned information from the Department of Health. According to the surveillance of obesity and obesity in children by the Ministry of Public Health (Health Data Center) on February 16, 2023, it was found that 9.13% of children aged 0-5 years had onset and obesity, and school-aged children 6-14 years had. Onset of obesity and obesity 13.4% and adolescents 15-18 years old

13.2 percent were obese and obese, including a survey of food and drink consumption behavior that affects health. (Foods and drinks that are high in fat, sugar and sodium) in children, it was found that about 1 in 3 children drink sweetened milk every day. Eat crunchy snacks every day And drink soft drinks every day, about 1 in 5 children drink sugary drinks. juice every day Including children have a condition in making decisions to buy food less. Most children still buy food according to their preferences. There are only a few who take into account the nutritional value. which causes obesity Most of them are caused by eating behaviors from foods that are high in fat, sugar and sodium.

The Department of Health recommends that parents, guardians and schools are those closest to children. Children’s health knowledge should be created in purchasing food. and promote good nutrition From choosing good food that is useful right nutrition Reduce the consumption of unhealthy foods such as foods that are high in fat, sugar and sodium, reduce sweets, and supplement food that is nutritious to complete the 5 food groups.

Eat rice, flour, meat in the right amount. Choose lean meats. In order to instill good consumption habits in children. Focus on fruits and vegetables. In addition, the amount of food that children receive in each meal should be age appropriate. To get the right nutrients neither too much nor too little Including children should do simple exercises such as aerobic dancing, running, cycling, jumping, jumping rope, sit-ups, push-ups, and stretching.

At least 60 minutes every day (accumulating 10 minutes or more) to build strength. for children to develop their bodies, muscles, bones, joints and to build immunity for children This will help the child have a healthy body. not easily sick by being in the care of an adult to prevent accidents while exercising Or parents should increase exercise activities together. More importantly, the child should have enough sleep. To help develop the fitness of the heart, brain, growth, age, height, proportion and strength as well.

Food consumption behavior with high fat, sugar, and sodium content, including snacks. and high-sugar drinks It is an important part that causes the increase in obesity among Thai children. Part of this comes from marketing strategies, discount, exchange, giveaway, giveaway, sweepstakes and prizes that encourage children to consume more such food and beverages. And most children still buy food according to their preferences. This may affect the future health of Thai children. Parents and guardians should train their children to eat less sugar. Eat less sugary, less sweet Thai desserts or train children to choose fruits as snacks. along with drinking plain milk and zero percent fat or low fat as a replacement Eating habits need to be changed gradually. for children to learn and have discipline in eating and can decide for themselves

In addition, the Prime Minister hopes to create a sustainable environment conducive to the health of Thai children. by inviting all sectors to work together to make Thai children safe from food marketing Educate children about nutrition Let children know how to keep up with the media. can choose to eat snacks or foods that are healthy for themselves to reduce the risk of obesity Including during this period during the big semester break It is an opportunity to encourage children to use their free time usefully. reduce obesity risk behaviors with adequate and appropriate physical activity enabling children to take care of their own health for good health and a better quality of life