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This study investigates the impact of children obesity on health issues in Tanzania: a case study of higher income earners in Dodoma. Morbidity, mortality, and life expectancy were used as proxies for health issues. The specific objectives were to examine the contributing factors to children obesity in Dodoma, to evaluate the impacts of children obesity and to suggest measures to be taken to overcome the problem in Tanzania. The study employed cross-sectional design on which comparative study was done in four schools found in Dodoma Municipality with both qualitative and quantitative methods. Tools used were interview guides, focus group discussion, documentary analysis and check lists involving 84 children. The research found out that, children obesity was contributed much by physical inactivity and unhealthy diets like junky food consumption that are associated with health problems. The problem led to frequent morbidity, premature mortality and reduced life expectancy of the people. In addition, overweight children and obesity were likely to have psychological problems such as increased risk for lower self – esteem, depression, self – blame greater risk of teasing and bulling, social rejection by both peers and adults. The study recommends that, stakeholders in education, sports, health and social development should put a mechanism that will guide all children at schools to participate in physical activities. Such activities may include sports and other self-reliance activities that in turn will act as an outlet for excessive body fat deposits. This will help in improving body health conditions and academic performance. Public education should be given to all people at all levels on the essence and impacts of overweight and obesity to children. |
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