Childhood Obesity in Nigeria: Exploring Medical Complications, Social Impacts, and Systemic Responses

Niyonzima Kanyana B.

Faculty of Biological Sciences Kampala International University Uganda

Abstract

Childhood obesity in Nigeria is a significant public health issue, influenced by medical, social, environmental, and cultural factors. The rise in obesity rates mirrors global trends, with the escalating prevalence of type 2 diabetes among obese children. Insulin resistance, exacerbated by adipose tissue accumulation, poses lifelong management challenges and increases risks of cardiovascular diseases. Socially, childhood obesity intersects with stigma and discrimination, affecting children’s self-perception, academic performance, and social integration. Mental health issues like anxiety and depression often result from societal pressures to conform to physical appearance norms. Addressing these social dimensions requires holistic approaches integrating mental health support into obesity management and fostering inclusive attitudes in communities and educational settings. Environmental and cultural factors complicate Nigeria’s childhood obesity landscape, with urbanization driving dietary shifts towards calorie-dense, nutrient-poor foods, sedentary lifestyles due to safety concerns, inadequate physical education, and cultural norms influencing dietary habits and physical activity levels. Nigeria’s healthcare system faces challenges in addressing childhood obesity, including limited healthcare access in rural areas and barriers to early diagnosis and treatment. Government-led initiatives and NGO interventions complement systemic responses, with education emerging as a crucial tool in empowering communities to adopt sustainable health practices. In conclusion, combating childhood obesity in Nigeria demands a multifaceted approach encompassing medical, social, environmental, cultural, and systemic dimensions. By implementing evidence-based interventions and fostering collaborative partnerships, Nigeria can mitigate health disparities and societal burdens associated with childhood obesity, ensuring a healthier future for its youth.

Keywords: Childhood, Obesity, Nigeria, Medical, Social Impacts, Systemic Responses

CITE AS: Niyonzima Kanyana B. (2024). Childhood Obesity in Nigeria: Exploring Medical Complications, Social Impacts, and Systemic Responses. NEWPORT INTERNATIONAL   JOURNAL OF SCIENTIFIC AND   EXPERIMENTAL SCIENCES, 5(3):53-57. https://doi.org/10.59298/NIJSES/2024/10.5.535737