According to World Health Organization. Global strategy on diet, physical activity, and health: childhood overweight and obesity. Childhood obesity has been called “one of the most serious public health challenges of the 21st century,”
Obesity can affects every system in a child’s: body-heart and lungs, muscles and bones, kidneys and digestive tract, as well as the hormones that control blood sugar and puberty-and can also take a heavy social and emotional toll.
Obesity/overweight refers to a condition where there is an excessive accumulation of fat in the body. It is a complex chronic disease with several causes and predisposing factors. Obesity also refers to having an excessive body mass. A body mass index of 30 or above is considered obese while an index above 40 is considered severe. Childhood obesity is measured using growth charts.
Causes of obesity.The common cause is fast foods loaded with sugar, highly processed and deep fried with unhealthy oils. Sugar in almost all food sources like drinks, cereals, juices have also been highlighted as a major cause of obesity.
Cereals, finger foods, chips, carbonated drinks are just some examples of foods/drinks commonly consumed daily that contribute to childhood obesity. Regulating diet alongside exercise is a way to curb childhood obesity.
Cereals made from garri can be a healthy substitute to the common cereals made from corn and other sources. Garri is a functional food rich in vitamins, minerals, fiber and low in fat.
The fiber in the garri has the advantage of helping regulate weight,read more.
Echbee Foods makes nutritious cereals from garri, these are wholesome and nutritious. The Cassava flakes can be eaten as cereal or as snacks.
Echbee Foods also use garri to make bread, cakes and finger foods increasing the advantages of using garri as a substitute.
Garri nutrition can be increased by adding vegetables and other plant proteins to make chips, biscuits, cakes and so much more.
