Clipping of news on Brazilian Culture, Law and Citizenship
15/07/2013
This article was translated by an automatic translation system, and was therefore not reviewed by people.
Gilberto Costa
Agency correspondent Brazil / EBC
Lisbon - A survey released this week by the University of Coimbra indicates that a relationship between childhood obesity and the time children watch TV or use the TV to play electronic games. Made in the past decade, the poll of 17,424 children 3-11 years and their families in all regions of Portugal.
The study shows that, although Portugal integral system of education, with children going to school in the morning and afternoon, 28% of boys and 26% of girls attend more than two hours of television per day. On weekends, the proportion rises significantly: 75% boys and 74% girls. The parameter of two hours is suggested by the American Academy of Pediatrics.
In Portugal, three out of ten children (6-10 years) are considered overweight and 14% are classified as obese. According to the coordinator of the Center for Health Research in Anthropology, University of Coimbra, Cristina Padez, the problem of high consumption of TV is related to sedentary behavior. "It's not just TV, it is necessary to observe the food, the lifestyle and the organization of parents," said the Brazil Agency.
Data released by the Portuguese Association Against Childhood Obesity (Apcoi), indicate that 57% of children who live in the country do not go to school, 90% eat snacks fast food four times a week and only 2% consume fruit every day .
According to Cristina Padez, indicators of Portugal are similar to other countries in southern Europe, such as Spain, Italy and Greece, and keep resemblance to what happens in Brazil. "The world is globalized. A number of similar ways of living. All these problems are a consequence of the economic and social development", emphasized Cristina.
The social scientist also pointed out that life in big cities, with few places for kids activities outdoors, or at risk of violence, makes very boys and girls spend hours watching TV. Television stations, with technological advances and interest in children's consumption, "became more appealing" to the children, with programs and channels targeted or combined with the electronic game.
"The industry takes advantage of the situation. The problem is that our body is not adapted and need to be more active, "said Cristina Padez. Despite the restrictions, she recommends that parents prohibit their children from watching television or making snacks. "Parents should take care of food without prohibiting, it is important to have rules."
Childhood obesity can lead to the development of future diseases such as diabetes and hypertension. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), 2.6 million people die every year because of obesity or overweight. WHO estimates that, worldwide, more than 1 billion adults are overweight. Of these, 300 million (equivalent to U.S. population) are obese.
Edition: Nadia Franco
Source: Agency Brazil
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This article was translated by an automatic translation system, and was therefore not reviewed by people.