5 food groups increase the risk of overweight and early puberty

Nutritionist Nguyen Trung Hieu, Department of Nutrition, Tam Anh General Hospital, Hanoi, said that children who regularly eat foods high in sugar, fat, and salt, combined with a sedentary lifestyle, can easily gain weight quickly. Overweight and obesity are one of the important factors related to early puberty. When excess body fat accumulates, hormonal changes can stimulate puberty to occur earlier.

Expert Hieu said children need to control the frequency of use and reasonable portion sizes of the dishes below.

Fried food

Fried chicken, potatoes, fish balls and sausages are loved by many children thanks to their crispy, fatty and rich flavor. However, these dishes are rich in energy, fat and salt. When eating regularly, especially when served with soft drinks or high-fat sauces, children can easily consume more energy than their body needs.

Fried foods often contain less fiber, vitamins and minerals than a balanced meal. Parents should limit the frequency of use and should not replace main meals. Children need to choose healthy protein sources such as meat, fish, and eggs prepared by steaming, boiling, pan-frying with little oil or grilling to ensure nutrition.

Drinks high in sugar

Soft drinks, milk tea, bottled fruit juices and syrups often contain a lot of added sugar. Frequent use of these drinks also creates a habit of liking sweet tastes, causing children to drink less water, be lazy to eat fresh fruit or not like unsweetened milk. Children need to drink filtered water, choose age-appropriate milk and whole fruits instead of juice.

Confectionery, ice cream

Cookies, candies, chocolate, ice cream and cakes often contain a lot of sugar, fat, and energy but are low in fiber, vitamins and minerals. Children who eat these foods before main meals easily fill their stomachs, leading to eating less rice, lacking protein, green vegetables and necessary micronutrients.

Some children do not eat much at main meals but still gain weight because they often eat candy and ice cream between meals. Instead of stocking up on candy, families prepare healthy dishes such as unsweetened yogurt, less sweet fruits, corn, potatoes, and age-appropriate nuts.

Prepared meat

Meatballs, ham, bacon and canned foods are convenient, easy to prepare, and loved by many children. However, this group often contains more salt, fat, additives, and higher energy than fresh meat of the same diet. Children who eat frequently can increase the risk of excess salt, gain weight, and develop a habit of liking rich foods.

Expert Hieu recommends that children’s meals should have fresh protein such as fish, lean meat, eggs, tofu, shrimp, crab, combined with green vegetables, suitable starches and healthy fats.

Instant snacks

Snacks, potato chips, and instant noodles are a group of children who easily overeat because they are crunchy, salty, and convenient. These dishes are often rich in refined starch, fat, and salt, while being low in good protein, fiber, and micronutrients.

Instant noodles should not be your child’s breakfast or dinner. When feeding children noodles, parents should reduce the spice packet and add eggs, meat, and green vegetables. With packaged snacks, divide small portions instead of letting your child eat a large package.

According to expert Hieu, nutrition is not the only factor that determines early puberty. This condition is also related to genetics, endocrine diseases, chemical exposure… However, weight control is something parents can proactively do.

Parents should monitor their child’s weight and height every 3-6 months and compare it with the growth chart. Take your child to the doctor early if he or she is gaining weight quickly, has belly fat, or abnormally increased height. Signs of early puberty in girls are breast development before age 8, pubic hair, armpit hair, and vaginal bleeding. Boys increase the size of their testicles and penis, break their voice, and grow pubic hair before the age of 9.

Specialized examination helps assess bone age, nutritional and endocrine status and plan timely intervention. Families should not arbitrarily put children on strict diets or use weight loss drugs. Children still need enough energy and nutrients to develop height, brain and immunity.