Friday, August 19, 2011

Random Thoughts on Childhood Obesity in Ghana.

As I struggled with my 6th rep of the second set of sit-ups (which I dread with a passion), she walked in. I gasped as my body was stuck in mid-air. She was probably 12 or 13 years but had the largest love handles (or folds if you are blunt) I've ever seen. People stared as she struggled to get on the stationary bike and pedal the fat away.  I actually felt sorry for her. I didn't even want to imagine what she goes through in school... the jokes at her expense and mean comments that may be made by the other kids. hmmm...

That got me thinking, why do parents allow their kids to put on too much weight? Is it as a result of our crazy lifestyles that make it impossible to know what our kids are eating when we are not around? Or, is it that we just give them too much of the junk? Did I forget to add the Playstations that make it impossible for them to consider real soccer over PC soccer?

At least, her parents decided to do something and send her to the gym. How about those who still think their children will grow out of the fat? Have you noticed the number of obese kids on our streets. The last time I was at the Accra Mall, I saw more than five fat kids in thirty minutes. Michelle Obama is doing something about this in the United States... What are we doing in Ghana?


4 comments:

  1. As someone who struggles with weight loss, it drives me nuts when I see overweight kids. Poor lazy parenting :(

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  2. I don't think that kid should be in the gym. The stationary bike etc are boring for kids. She might end up hating the gym for the rest of her life.
    She needs fun kiddie activities that will jumpstart her metabolism.

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  3. @ Teena:I get your point.

    @ Think: I agree/disagree with you. It's true that she needs fun kiddie activities. However, how many kids really play these days? It's all about video games and telenovelas. Luckily for her, the trainers and other members of the gym encourage her when she's on the verge of giving up a routine. I think she's actually loving the gym.

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  4. Really, I havn't seen those kids, but can imagine their life. Just like a toughest situation at each and every steps.

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I spoke my mind... Now it's your turn..

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