THE National Nutritional Council (NNC) 7 has noted a steady decline of “over nutrition” among preschool children in Central Visayas.

“In Region 7, we have seen a good decline of preschool children that are above normal weight,” said regional nutrition coordinator Dr. Parolita Mission.

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According to the NNC 7 in 2006, 2.22 percent of the preschool children in Central Visayas were overweight. The numbers saw a sharp decline in 2007 as the figure dropped to 1.86 percent. Last year, only 1.66 percent of all preschool children were overweight.

Yet despite the decline, Talisay City still recorded many overweight children, at 5.52 percent of their preschool children this year.

In 2007, Talisay City also topped the list, with 7.32 of their preschoolers overweight.

Despite the decline, figures of the overweight and obese still remained high in the region.

Survey

“According to the 2003 NNS (National Nutrition Survey), at least 23.9 percent of our population is either overweight or obese,” said Mission.

The figures, she said, were all because of the “fast food mania” the public has developed a liking for.

“We should watch out for the ‘fast food mania’, the ‘go-large’ concept, the ‘eat-all-you-can’ and all that ‘upsizing’ of everything,” said Mission.

Healthy lifestyle

Considering that nutrition month is celebrated in July, Mission said it is about time everybody adopted a healthy lifestyle.

“Let’s do more physical activities and limit our intake of simple sugars, softdrinks, candies and jams,” said Mission.

She said local government units (LGUs) and schools should also provide a ave where the public can exercise.

“LGUs could have walkways and bicycle lanes. These do not only help the environment but also our health,” said Mission.

Schools have been asked to promote good eating habits and healthy diets in their classes and establish fun physical activities for students.

“Canteens should also serve healthy food and do away with all the junk food,” said Mission.