( MENAFN - Gulf Times) The Human Nutrition Department (HND) at the College of Health Sciences (CHS), a member of QU-Health at Qatar University (QU), has announced the success of the ongoing Smart Start campaign in primary school classrooms. The nutrition education programme is aimed at promoting health y eating and an active lifestyle among schoolchildren in Qatar, addressing the growing concern of childhood obesity and its long-term health implications. Childhood obesity has become a major health problem, affecting children's physical health , social and emotional well-being, and self-esteem.
Fostering health y habits and encouraging physical activity from an early age will reduce the risk of chronic diseases and obesity-related complications later in life. During the spring semester, HND students have been actively engaging with primary students, delivering a range of interactive activities related to nutrition and a health y lifestyle. Recently, 150 children participated in the programme at Al Khor International School.
The activities addressed several main areas, such as understanding food groups and MyPlate guidelines, creating nutritious lunchboxes, raising awareness of the harmful effects of sugar, and encouraging an active lifestyle. In the first activity, children were introduced to food groups, learning about health ier options within each group. The kids matched different food items to their respective food groups, enhancing their understanding of proper nutrition.
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