By the A.M. Costa Rica staff

Data from the 2016 School Weight and Size Census, applied to children aged 6 to 12, determined that 34 out of every 100 school children are overweight or obese.

According to the Ministry of Health, when analyzing the results according to age, there was a tendency to increase overweight and obesity that begins at 8 years, reaching the highest level, between 9 and 11 years.

To counteract this problem, the ministry signed a regulation in 2018, entitled Letter of Commitment to the Comprehensive Approach to Overweight and Obesity in Children and Adolescents. The document includes the actions to be taken to reduce overweight in children.

"An inadequate nutritional status can lead to the onset of diseases and affect cognitive ability, which will impact the future of each individual," said Daniel Salas, minister of Health. "Malnutrition should be prevented from childhood. by promoting healthy eating practices and physical activity. "

According to the ministry, childhood and adolescence are key periods to establish healthy eating habits and active lifestyles that can be maintained throughout life as protective factors in the prevention of noncommunicable diseases.

In addition, the Ministry of Public Education announced that it promotes healthy lifestyles in student populations in the 107 high schools in rural areas.

Both ministries developed the regulation of food that can be offered to children in school canteens, known as sodas.

This strategy has already started its implementation as a pilot plan in Heredia because in that province there is the largest number of schools with dining rooms for students and also, it is where statistics showed the highest number of overweight and obese children, said the ministry.

Also, the ministry is working with the Costa Rican Chamber of the Food Industry to reduce the sodium content in condiments, bread, cookies, sausages, pastries and sauces that are produced in the country.







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What would be a recommendation you would give to overweight children?  We would like to know your thoughts on this story. Send your comments to news@amcostarica.com
 

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