The Gulf Health Council emphasized that the role of parents represents the basic foundation in building health awareness among children and adolescents, noting that eating habits and aspects of physical activity begin from within the home, and that the daily role model of parents is the most important factor in preventing obesity and enhancing self-confidence and a positive appearance.
As part of its awareness campaign #BalanceIt, the Council explained that prevention begins with family behavior, by encouraging children to eat a balanced and varied diet, setting regular times for meals and sleep, and reducing long periods of sitting in front of screens, in addition to practicing physical activity as part of the daily family routine.
He explained that obesity may appear in early signs that are easy to notice, such as an abnormal increase in body mass, fatigue upon exertion, or joint pain, and that early intervention by the family contributes to reducing its complications in the long term.
The Council also stressed the importance of paying attention to the psychological aspects of children and adolescents, as obesity or negative comments about appearance can lead to low self-esteem and resorting to emotional eating or social isolation.
The Gulf Health Council pointed out that the messages a child receives about his body and appearance from his parents and society shape his future self-image, calling for the adoption of positive encouraging methods in dialogue about food, health and appearance, away from criticism or comparison, while ensuring the inculcation of the concept of natural beauty and psychological and physical balance.
The Council concluded by emphasizing that family awareness is the cornerstone of building a generation that enjoys balanced physical and psychological health, calling on parents to review the guidance and awareness materials available through the “Your Health Guide” platform as part of the #BalanceIt campaign.