Ways to treat weight gain in teenagers during Ramadan | Medical advice
Professor Abdulmu'in Eid Al-Agha, Professor and Consultant of Pediatric Endocrinology and Diabetes at King Abdulaziz University Hospital in Jeddah, emphasized in a private statement the need to pay attention to the phenomenon of weight gain among teenagers during Ramadan. He explained that this slight increase in the weight of adolescents and young people during the holy month often occurs as a result of radical changes in lifestyle, whether in terms of fluctuating sleep schedules, the type of food consumed, or a decrease in physical activity.
Dietary habits and their impact on weight gain among teenagers during Ramadan
Historically, the holy month of Ramadan in Arab and Muslim societies has been associated with distinctive culinary customs and traditions. Ramadan tables are often laden with traditional dishes high in carbohydrates, fats, and sugars. However, with rapid development in recent decades, these customs have shifted towards excessive consumption of fried foods and sweets, significantly contributing to the problem of weight gain among teenagers during Ramadan. This change in consumption patterns, coupled with staying up late at night and sleeping during the day, has disrupted the biological clock and lowered metabolic rates among young people.
Professor Al-Agha added that the real problem lies not in this slight increase itself, but in ignoring it and leaving it untreated. Ignoring these extra kilograms can, over time, lead to weight accumulation and develop into a more serious health problem: obesity. He pointed out that the lack of physical activity among some children due to staying up late, along with consuming excessive amounts of fatty foods at Iftar and Suhoor, are key factors contributing to this weight gain, which can be easily managed if addressed early.
Health and societal implications of adolescent obesity
Highlighting this phenomenon is of paramount importance at the local, regional, and international levels. At the local and regional levels, World Health Organization statistics indicate an alarming rise in obesity rates among children and adolescents in the Middle East. This weight gain directly impacts public health, increasing the risk of developing chronic diseases early in life, such as type 2 diabetes and hypertension. Internationally, combating adolescent obesity is a key Sustainable Development Goal related to health, given its negative impact on quality of life and the significant economic burden it places on healthcare systems in the future.
Eid al-Fitr is a golden opportunity to correct the course
Dr. Al-Agha pointed out that the best step to take after the end of Ramadan is to encourage children to dedicate half an hour daily to any physical activity. Exercise doesn't necessarily mean going to gyms or doing strenuous workouts; it can be as simple as brisk walking, cycling, or playing football with friends. He explained that these few minutes of daily movement can gradually restore the body's balance, improve physical fitness, help burn excess calories, and give them positive energy that will positively impact their daily lives.
The consultant emphasized that addressing weight gain isn't limited to exercise alone; it also requires dietary adjustments. He highlighted the importance of reducing fast food consumption, as well as limiting sugary drinks and sodas. He advised avoiding packaged and processed foods as much as possible, replacing them with fresh, healthy, home-cooked meals, and ensuring adequate intake of fruits and vegetables.
Dr. Al-Agha concluded his statement with a number of health tips for families, the most important of which is encouraging children to move from a young age, regulating sleep times, and reducing the time children spend in front of screens, stressing that adopting a healthy lifestyle within the family helps children build positive habits that protect them from obesity problems in the future.
