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SFDA warns against childhood obesity risks

SFDA warns against childhood obesity risks

Riyadh is the focus of a health awareness campaign by the Saudi Food and Drug Authority (SFDA) to prevent childhood obesity. The initiative coincides with World Obesity Day on March 4.

According to SPA, the SFDA is promoting health awareness to prevent diet-related diseases as part of the Health Sector Transformation Program of Saudi Vision 2030. The authority emphasizes that families play a critical role in safeguarding the health of children.

The SFDA urges parents to establish healthy habits by replacing soft drinks and sugary beverages with water and natural fruit juices. The campaign also advises a significant reduction in fast-food consumption to combat weight gain and associated health issues.

Additionally, the authority advocates for grilling and roasting as healthier cooking alternatives to frying. This effort comes in response to the rise in global obesity rates, which the SFDA states requires higher community awareness to address.

What dietary changes does the SFDA recommend for children? The SFDA recommends that parents encourage children to replace sugary drinks and soft drinks with water and natural fruit juices. Additionally, the authority urges families to significantly reduce the consumption of fast food, as it is identified as a key contributor to weight gain and related health issues.

Which cooking methods does the SFDA advocate for to prevent obesity? To promote healthier eating, the SFDA advocates for the use of grilling and roasting. These methods are recommended as healthier alternatives to frying in an effort to address the growing challenge of obesity rates.

Why did the SFDA launch this awareness campaign? The campaign was launched to align with World Obesity Day on March 4 and to support the Health Sector Transformation Program of Saudi Vision 2030. The SFDA aims to promote health awareness and prevent diet-related diseases by emphasizing the role of families in protecting children’s health.