The effort put into securing the nutrition of our children below the age of five years is astronomical. We have greatly invested in their health, to protect them from malnutrition and ensure they thrive. However, once they pass the 60-month mark, we easily forget to pay attention to the maintainance of the good job done thus far.
For generations, we have worried about undernutrition in the young ones. We have supported their nutrition by advocating for breastfeeding, nutrition education for the caregivers, growth monitoring and development, micronutrient supplementationa and deworming. We promptly drop all forms of follow-up for the adolescents and hence we have failed to pay adequate attention to their nutrition status as they navigate this crucial transition phase.
It is this inattention that has permitted childhood and adolescent obesity to rear its ugly head and set up base in our homes. Adolescent obesity is gaining traction in our midst and it must serve as a wake up call for us. We must begin to pay attention to what our not-so-young children are eating. It is our responsibility to raise a generation of healthy, disease-free adolescents and young adults when we are still responsible for them.
“Raise a child well and she shall not depart from your teachings!”
Healthy family eating habits will stick with our children long after they are no longer under our watchful eyes. We must therefore commit to protecting the future of our adolescents.