Maria Daniel Vaz de Almeida, Professor of Nutrition and President of the Portuguese Society of Nutrition and Food Sciences, received the Xth International Food and Health award awarded annually by the University of Navarra. This award linked to the Degree in Human Nutrition and Dietetics recognizes the outstanding professional career of national and international researchers and academics in the field of food and health. On the occasion of the act of submission of the award, the expert gave us an interview providing clues on how to combat childhood obesity: the pandemic of the XXI century, according to the World Health Organization (WHO).

Why has childhood obesity increased so much lately?
Obesity in general and childhood obesity are complex problems with multiple causes. It is curious that in Europe the great increase in childhood obesity is occurring in the southern countries: Italy (36%), Malta (35%), Spain (34%), Greece (34%), Cyprus (33%) and Portugal (32%). It is a very rapid phenomenon, it has happened in a few years, like an explosion. In very general terms, it can be said that in the last three decades of the 20th century the accelerated pace of economic and social change has led to a different lifestyle in these countries, with less physical activity and changes in food consumption patterns. This also applies to children.

When should we be alarmed? Many parents deny the problem saying: "My child is not obese, he is just chubby".
Parents should be attentive to their children's growth and monitor them with the curves that record weight and height (standard indexes set by the WHO). These curves show how children are growing. When the weight-height and BMI (body mass index) are above the 85th percentile, there is a risk of overweight or obesity.

At what age is it most difficult to combat obesity in children?
Childhood is a central stage of the life cycle for the development of healthy eating habits. In the first months of life, breastfeeding is very important for proper growth. With the onset of food diversification, parents have a golden opportunity to educate and socialize their children, to instill family habits. Children learn by example at home with family, at school and with friends. When they become more independent and have the opportunity to choose what to eat, it is important that good habits are maintained.

How can it be combated?
To combat childhood obesity is to prevent it because in childhood, when the body is growing, fat cells (adipocytes) not only fill up but also multiply. Thus, "fat" children will always have more fat cells available to increase in volume than normal-weight children. Prevention is the core topic to combat this global public health problem.

What problems can obesity cause in a child's future health?
Many cases have been described of children suffering from "adult diseases" such as: diabetes (DMNID), arterial hypertension, metabolic syndrome, dyslipidemia, cancer, coronary heart disease, respiratory disorders and psychological disturbances. Obese children have a poorer quality of life than normal-weight children. Like any other chronic disease, obesity needs lifelong treatment, because if treatment is interrupted, the condition returns. Prevention is better than cure.