According to Eziaha Bolaji-Olojo, a health expert and weight loss coach at CoachE’Nation, the unhealthy eating habits of children pave the way for chronic diseases later in life.

She expressed alarm over the increasing preference for sugary drinks, sweets, and fast food over wholesome, home-cooked meals, and emphasized that societal factors, beyond just medical considerations, play a significant role in the development of health problems.

Wakadaily learnt that, In a statement to marking the 2024 Children’s Day, Bolaji-Olojo cautioned that children who consume unhealthy foods are at risk of developing diet-related health issues, including obesity, type 2 diabetes, and heart and kidney diseases.

“Today more than ever, there is an alarming increase in our children’s consumption of junk food like sugary drinks, sweets, and fast foods over nutritious, healthy and homemade meals. The dangerous impact of such shows in the rise of diet-related health conditions like childhood obesity, type 2 diabetes, heart and kidney diseases, and even behavioural issues to mention a few.

“What is even worse are future projections by experts, with the already alarming figures expected to more than double in the next 10-20 years.

“In Nigeria alone, the rate of childhood obesity has more than doubled in recent decades. This surge is largely attributed to the increasing consumption of junk food, which is high in sugar, unhealthy fats, and empty calories.

“Such poor dietary habits affect not just their health for today, but also set the unhealthy stage for chronic illnesses later in life.

“Health crisis affecting our children is not just a medical issue but a societal one, and by raising awareness and providing the necessary tools and knowledge, we can ensure that the future is healthy,” she highlighted.

In Nigeria, Children’s Day is observed on May 27 as a public holiday for primary and secondary school students.

Previously, Wakadaily reported that consuming excessive sugar before the age of five increases the risk of heart disease, hypertension, and Type 2 diabetes in children. Experts warn that even fruit juices marketed as “sugar-free” or “additive-free” may contain hidden sugars, contributing to childhood obesity.

The United Nations Children’s Fund and World Health Organisation have also sounded the alarm about the alarming rates of childhood obesity and related health issues due to poor diets.

The WHO notes that unhealthy diets are a leading cause of illness and death in the European region, where one in three children is overweight or obese in 46 out of 53 countries.

Childhood obesity often persists into adulthood, increasing the risk of non-communicable diseases. While data on junk food consumption among Nigerian children is limited, experts agree that processed food consumption is rising among children and adolescents.

To mark Children’s Day, health and wellness coach Bolaji-Olojo urges parents to take control of their children’s diet and health by promoting healthy eating habits and lifestyle choices.

Additionally, she announces the launch of a documentary, “Save Our Children,” to emphasize the importance of diet, nutrition, and healthy living.

She stated, “When people know better, they do better, which is why in celebration of our National Children’s Day, the documentary “Save Our Children” by Eziaha Bolaji-Olojo, which highlights the importance of diet, nutrition and healthy living premieres.

“This Documentary aims at educating and sparking up conversations that lead to every stakeholder and children alike – taking better action to raise and be ‘Wellness Champions’.

“Underscoring the importance of diet in preventing and reversing health issues while showcasing real-life success stories and expert advice on how to raise Wellness Champions, parents and caregivers are sure to be inspired to truly save our children’s health, not just from the hospitals, but from the kitchen.”

She emphasized the need for a collaborative approach, urging parents, teachers, healthcare professionals, and policymakers to work together to promote healthy eating habits and lifestyle choices by setting a good example, educating, and implementing supportive policies.