Obese kids a high public health risk

Childhood obesity in Oman is increasingly being recognised as a major public health concern, reflecting rapid lifestyle changes across the country. What could be the cause?
Health experts attribute the rise to a combination of sedentary behaviours, increased consumption of calorie-dense foods, and genetic susceptibility.
Beyond its well-known physical health risks, specialists warn that obesity in children is also linked to psychological and social challenges, including low self-esteem, social isolation, and reduced academic performance. These impacts often extend into adulthood, placing long-term pressure on both individuals and healthcare systems.
Dr Hanan bint Said bin Abdullah al Azkawi, Senior Consultant Paediatric Endocrine, National Diabetes and Endocrine Center said parents should adopt healthy habits for children to follow.
'The change in lifestyle and change in the type of food children are consuming, which is unhealthy food, are some of the reasons. The availability of these types of food is not helping either. Another issue is the non-physical games. Most of the activities they are indulging in are technology-based, so mobility is limited in these children. Another worrying pattern is the unhealthy sleep and the stressful environment some of the children are living under at times.'
When it comes to advice for parents, Dr Hanan said all of us must work together starting from family, school, health institutes, and the community.
'Everybody should work together. A family should adopt a healthy lifestyle, which their children should follow. If the family is doing physical activity and practicing regular exercise, the children will also do that. If they consume healthy food and limit unhealthy food intake, the kids will follow as well. We should also increase awareness of obesity being a disease,' she noted.
Once they know the severity of obesity and its relation to the core morbidities, people will begin to think and observe themselves regarding where they are exactly and at which stage of obesity?
She pointed out that adopting healthy food and physical activities at school and mobilisation of children at break times are all initiatives that can help. Screening children for early intervention will prevent further complications.
'Introducing pharmacological therapy in adolescents for individuals who fit the criteria by starting the medication is very important because, as we know, obesity is a disease, so it needs to be treated and needs early intervention to prevent the consequences or expected complications from obesity,' noted Dr Hanan.
National efforts have gained momentum, as in response, Oman has intensified efforts to address the issue through a range of coordinated initiatives.
Awareness campaigns and public engagement activities have been expanded nationwide, focusing on educating families about prevention, early detection, and the importance of healthy lifestyle choices. Community events and professional training programmes are also helping to build capacity among healthcare providers.
At the same time, schools and community programmes are playing a central role. Initiatives promoting balanced nutrition and regular physical activity are being introduced, with a strong emphasis on involving families in creating healthier environments for children. These efforts align closely with the national development framework of Oman Vision 2040, which prioritises health and well-being.
A coordinated national strategy is being looked at, and authorities are adopting a multi-sector approach, bringing together the healthcare, education, and community sectors to strengthen prevention strategies and enhance primary care services. Early identification of at-risk children and timely intervention remain key priorities.
Innovation is also shaping the national response, and the integration of artificial intelligence and digital health systems is helping predict risk factors, support early action, and improve long-term outcomes.
Experts agree that tackling childhood obesity requires sustained collaboration across all levels of society. Families, schools, healthcare providers, and policymakers each have a critical role to play.
Make Children Healthy
1. Encourage physical activities
2. Balance meal with less sugar, less fried items
3. Educating families about healthy lifestyle
4. Early intervention to tackle lifestyle diseases
5. Sleep on time and minimise screen time
6. Engage in extracurricular activities to reduce stress