Childhood obesity is a problem for all of us

By Dina Gavarieva

The recent report highlighting Cyprus as one of the worst-performing countries in Europe for childhood obesity should serve as a wake-up call, not just for policymakers, but for families, educators and healthcare professionals alike.

According to data presented to the House health committee, obesity affects up to 42 per cent of children aged six to ten in Cyprus – among the highest rates in Europe.

But this is not simply a matter of weight.

Obesity is a complex, multifactorial condition shaped by diet, lifestyle, hormonal balance, environmental exposures and even emotional wellbeing.

And if we are to reverse this trend, we must move beyond simplistic narratives and address the root causes.

At the core of childhood obesity lies nutrition. Modern diets high in ultra-processed foods, refined sugars and unhealthy fats disrupt metabolic function from an early age.

Children today are often exposed to calorie-dense but nutrient-poor foods leading not only to weight gain, but also to deficiencies in essential vitamins and minerals.

A child’s body is still developing, and what they eat directly influences their metabolism, immune system and hormonal balance.

Excess sugar intake, for example, spikes insulin levels and promotes fat storage. Over time, this can lead to insulin resistance – a precursor to type 2 diabetes.

Equally important is the concept of food quality. Whole, unprocessed foods support stable energy levels, healthy gut microbiota and proper hormonal signalling.

In contrast, highly processed foods can trigger inflammation, which plays a significant role in obesity.

Physical activity is another critical pillar, yet in Cyprus, as in many countries, sedentary lifestyles have become the norm. Children spend more time on screens and less time engaging in active play.

Movement is not just about burning calories. It regulates blood sugar, improves mood, supports brain development and enhances metabolic flexibility.

Regular physical activity also helps regulate appetite hormones that control hunger and satiety. When children lack sufficient movement, these systems become dysregulated, increasing the likelihood of weight gain.

One often overlooked aspect of childhood obesity is motivation. Children do not operate in isolation; their behaviours reflect their surroundings.

Stress, family habits, school environments and social pressures all influence eating patterns and activity levels. Emotional eating, for instance, can begin at a young age, particularly in response to stress or anxiety.

And this brings us to an important biological factor: cortisol. Cortisol, commonly known as the ‘stress hormone,’ plays a significant role in weight regulation.

While short-term increases are normal, chronic elevation, which is often seen in children exposed to ongoing stress, can lead to increased appetite, cravings for high-sugar foods and fat accumulation, particularly around the abdomen.

In today’s fast-paced world, children are not immune to stress. Academic pressures, social media exposure and even family dynamics can all contribute to elevated cortisol levels.

Addressing childhood obesity therefore requires not only dietary and physical interventions, but also emotional support and stress management.

Hormonal balance is also central to weight management, even in children. Two key systems deserve particular attention: the thyroid and reproductive hormones.

The thyroid gland regulates metabolism. When it is underactive, metabolic rate slows, leading to weight gain, fatigue and reduced energy levels.

While thyroid disorders are less common in children, subclinical imbalances can still affect weight.

Reproductive hormones, although more relevant during adolescence, play a further role. Early hormonal disruption can predispose young girls to conditions such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), which is closely linked to obesity and insulin resistance.

Understanding these hormonal dynamics is essential for a comprehensive approach to treatment.

But one of the most concerning contributors to modern obesity is the widespread presence of endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs).

These substances, found in plastics, food packaging, cosmetics and household products, interfere with the body’s hormonal systems. They can mimic or block natural hormones, leading to metabolic dysfunction.

Research has increasingly linked EDC exposure to weight gain, insulin resistance and altered fat storage.

Children are particularly vulnerable due to their developing systems and higher exposure relative to body weight.

Reducing exposure – by limiting plastic use for example, or choosing natural products and avoiding heavily processed foods – is an important, but often overlooked step in addressing obesity.

It is clear there is an urgent need for coordinated national action. Obesity is not simply an individual responsibility; it is shaped by environments, policies and societal norms.

This means investing in infrastructure that promotes physical activity, improving access to healthy foods, and implementing educational programmes for families.

It also means broadening our understanding of obesity.

To effectively tackle childhood obesity, we must adopt a holistic approach that considers nutrition, movement, mental wellbeing, hormonal balance, detoxification and environmental awareness.

Our children deserve environments that support their health – not undermine it.

By addressing the root causes of obesity, and not only its symptoms, we can begin to reverse this troubling trend and build a healthier future for the next generation.

Dina Gavarieva is a qualified naturopath practising at Neomed Institute and Medical Centre, Limassol