Cape Town - South African children may have their lifespan shortened by as much as five years unless something is done to address unhealthy lifestyles that lead to diabetes, heart disease and strokes, according to UCT professor Vicki Lambert.
The professor, who serves on the National Health Department’s Obesity Task Force, was recently awarded R750 000 by the National Research Foundation (NRF) for her work on the Slow, Stop or Stem the Tide of Obesity in the People of South Africa (STOP-SA).
The funds will go to fast-track research and interventions to stop South Africans from choosing unhealthy lifestyles and provide practical alternatives.
According to a Lancet medical journal, nearly three quarters of South Africans are overweight or obese.
And research indicates that average national life expectancy could consequently drop from 56 years to 51 years and even further if there is no immediate intervention.
Lambert said coming generations would be plagued by chronic but preventable lifestyle diseases if action is not taken soon.
“It is no good having wonderful academic research that has no application in the real world. We need to work out real protocols with feasible, workable guidelines.
“The situation requires an urgent response. Among other things we need to reclaim our neighbourhoods. It seems the days of cricket in the streets and riding bikes are gone, we need to bring those activities back.”
The professor was part of the team which compiled the 2014 Healthy Active Kids South Africa Report Card and presented the findings at the Global Summit on Physical Activity in Children in Toronto, Canada, in May.
The report showed that while there have been several effective government initiatives in schools to tackle food insecurity, much of the current problem lies at home where youngsters spend too much time in front of the TV, consume sugary drinks and eat fast food.
“Obesity is a complex issue involving many different factors and it is vital for researchers to take a comprehensive look at all the players on the field to ensure we can find an approach that can begin to stem the tide of obesity in South Africa,” said Lambert.
Much of the responsibility for a good diet lies with the parents who themselves may be setting an unhealthy example. According to the report card, two out of every three South African women and one in three South African men are either overweight or obese.
A study from the Report Card on primary school pupils stated that 30 percent of parents never watched their children participate in activities while 32 percent did not participate in activities with their children.
Lambert said parents needed to step up and join their kids in physical activities.
“What’s clear from the 2014 Healthy Active Kids South Africa report card is that it is time for parents to step up. “Authoritative parenting, where parents respect their child’s autonomy within firm but loving boundaries has been associated with lower television viewing.”
Weekend Argus