Rapid weight gain in stunted children may cause heart disease- experts

Parents have been advised to monitor their children’s weight, particularly if they are stunted, warning that sudden weight gain by stunted children after the age of two may predispose them to heart diseases in future.

The experts stressed that addressing childhood malnutrition and promoting healthy weight gain in children is critical to reducing the risk of non-communicable diseases, especially those that are heart-related.

The first two years of life, the child nutrition experts noted, are a critical time for brain development, adding that children who are malnourished during this time may have impaired cognitive development, which can affect their ability to learn and succeed in school.

The World Health Organisation categorises children who are stunted as those whose height is lower than average for their age, and at least two standard deviations below the WHO’s Child Growth Standards Median.

According to the Global Health Organization, stunting in early life, particularly in the first 1000 days from conception until the age of two would have adverse functional consequences on the child.

WHO added that stunted growth accompanied by excessive weight gain later in childhood can lead to an increased risk of nutrition-related chronic diseases in adult life.

The nutritionists explained that rapid weight gain is not the only health risk associated with stunted growth.
They added that rapid weight gain has other potential health risks including diabetes, high blood pressure, and cognitive impairment.

While urging parents to pay close attention to their child’s development, the experts said a child may appear to be healthy and active, but may still be lacking in key nutrients.

Johnson Molaolu, a registered nutritionist at Federal Medical Centre, Abeokuta, explained that rapid weight gain in childhood can lead to an increased risk of heart disease later in life.

He further explained that excess weight can cause an increase in blood pressure, cholesterol, and triglycerides (a type of fat (lipid) found in the blood), all of which are risk factors for heart disease.

“We often think of heart disease as an adult problem but the reality is that many of the risk factors for heart diseases develop in childhood. Rapid weight gain in childhood can have serious health consequences, both in childhood and later in life.

“Studies have shown that children who are overweight or obese are at increased risk for a variety of health problems, including diabetes, high blood pressure, and heart disease. It is important to understand that obesity is a complex condition with many contributing factors. It’s not simply a matter of willpower or lack of exercise.

“Genetics, environmental factors, and socioeconomic status can all play a role in a child’s weight. And it’s important to note that not all children who are overweight or obese are unhealthy. Some children may be healthy at a higher weight, while others may be unhealthy at a lower weight.
“Because childhood obesity is a complex issue, there is no single solution that will work for every child. However, there are some interventions that have been shown to be effective in helping children lose weight and improve their health. These include family-based interventions, school-based programmes, and community-based initiatives.

“Family-based interventions are often the most effective, as they involve the entire family in making changes to their lifestyle. This can include making changes to the home environment, such as providing healthier food options and increasing physical activity.”

Mrs. Oyinkansola Lawal, another Registered Nutritionist, stressed the importance of providing a nurturing environment for children to thrive.

She said that childhood malnutrition is a complex issue with many contributing factors, adding that underlying causes of malnutrition, which include poverty and food insecurity, have to be tackled.

“It is not just a problem in developing countries but also in developed countries like the United States. Poverty, food insecurity, and lack of access to healthcare can all contribute to malnutrition in children. These factors can have lasting effects on a person’s health and quality of life.

“The first two years of life are a critical time for brain development. Children who are malnourished during this time may have impaired cognitive development, which can affect their ability to learn and succeed in school. This can lead to a cycle of poverty that is difficult to break.

“When we look at the issue of childhood malnutrition, we need to take a holistic approach that addresses the child’s physical, mental, and social needs.
“This means addressing not only food insecurity but also other issues like poverty, lack of education, and environmental pollution. All of these factors can have a major impact on a child’s health and development,” she said.

Already, a study published in the Lancet found that children who were stunted at age 2 were three times more likely to develop high blood pressure as adults. The researchers of the study, who followed children from birth to adulthood, discovered that early childhood stunting has long-term effects on cardiovascular health. They found that stunted children had higher levels of “bad” cholesterol and triglycerides, which are major risk factors for heart disease.

The study discovered that stunted children are more likely to have lower educational attainment and less likely to participate in the workforce. They are also more likely to have chronic diseases such as diabetes, kidney disease, and liver disease.

In addition, stunted children may be more likely to experience psychological problems, such as anxiety and depression.

These findings suggest that the effects of stunting can be far-reaching and may affect a child’s entire life.