Swedish researchers have found out that consuming the right type of fat may actually keep child obesity at bay. Obese children are habituated to consume lesser quantities of unsaturated fat and very little omega-3.
A study on 200 healthy children in the age group of four was undertaken by scientists at Goteborg University. These children belong to families with good socio-economic background.This study revealed that 23% of the children belong to an overweight category and 2% come under obese category. Children who consumed less fat had higher BMI readings and were heavier than the ones who had more fat. It was also found out that the heavier children had less of omega-3.
Their eating habit was far from the set guidelines. When 400 grams of fruits and vegetables are required per day, these children consumed only 140 grams. Their intake of calcium and iron was also much below the stipulated mark. Their main source of energy was from sweets, biscuits and ice creams.
A salient feature of this study dealt with the insulin levels. Children with a higher degree of insulin were putting on weight faster. Girl children were prominent in this category. The rate of insulin production in these girls was higher when they consumed less unsaturated fat.
Child obesity is an issue that is plaguing most of the nations and it is on the rise especially in UK and many of the western countries.
Source-Medindia
JYT
