Health

How mothers induce obesity in their babies with ‘organic weight gain foods’

Published

1 month ago

November 30, 2024

How mothers induce obesity in their babies with ‘organic weight gain foods’

Ever imagined growing up to be obese and struggling with your weight because your mother likes chubby babies? Mrs Adetoyin, a 35-year-old mother of twins, was all smiles as she watched her two chubby babies waddling around. She believes that many mothers want chubby babies to make the point that their babies are good-looking and even called the popular nick-name “orobo” as an indication that they are well fed, hence the decision to artificially induce their babies’ foods to increase their sizes.

Adetoyin said: “This is peculiar to our society where we celebrate chubby babies! As a matter of fact many mothers do not believe a baby can be overweight or obese.

“They actually say of such babies in local dialect: “Omo yen lomi lara, pelu eke re” loosely translated as “the baby is well-endowed with chubby cheeks”.

Overweight and obesity are defined as abnormal or excessive fat accumulation that presents a risk to health. Just like adults, babies come in various sizes and shapes. According to health practitioners, babies should ideally weigh about 2,500g or more at birth. Birth weight is a vital indicator of foetal and neonatal health.

For many babies, this is natural baby fat that will begin to shed as he or she becomes more mobile. But there is growing concern about inducing obesity among babies, which could be a precursor for being overweight or obese later in life. Every baby grows at their own rate. Keep in mind that a baby may not gain weight or grow every week.

The factors that are known to influence a baby’s weight at birth include duration of pregnancy and maternal characteristics like age, parity (the number of times a woman has given birth) and illness, as well as adverse environmental exposures.

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As a first-time mother, Mrs. Nkem relieved her experience with breastfeeding her baby, but for her, the breastfeeding process was uncomfortable. Worried that her baby might not be getting enough to eat, Mrs. Nkem decided to induce the baby’s diet with Cyproheptadine hydrochloride, not knowing it could be unhealthy for her baby’s health and nutrition.

Some local mothers use cyproheptadine known in local parlance as maa wu (get swollen) to ensure their babies are fat. The drug is not meant for that purpose yet used by many mothers because it has an “appetite-stimulating” side-effect.

Cyproheptadine hydrochloride, a first-generation antihistamine, has shown weight gain in patients as it has appetite stimulation properties. Medically, a user is required to consult a doctor and get a prescription if there’s a need to increase one’s appetite. But practitioners have advised against consuming cyproheptadine for this purpose without a prescription.

Today, the quest by many mothers to get what they describe as the near-perfect weight gain for their babies is fueling a fast-growing organic weight gain industry with medical practitioners warning that this could lead to a surge in cases of obesity in no distant future.

Obesity has emerged as one of the most serious public health concerns worldwide. Recent estimates suggest that more than 500 million adults are obese worldwide, and nearly four million individuals die annually due to high body mass index (BMI).

Excess BMI is a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease (mainly heart disease and stroke), diabetes, musculoskeletal disorders (especially osteoarthritis – a highly disabling degenerative disease of the joints), and some cancers (including endometrial, breast, ovarian, prostate, liver, gallbladder, kidney, and colon). The risk for these non-communicable diseases increases with increase in BMI.

In the 2021 Global Nutrition report, data from Nigeria shows how much progress the country has made towards achieving the global nutrition targets. Of the 13 targets, Nigeria has made ‘some progress’ in achieving four targets while the country is reported to be ‘off-course’ on seven targets.

It is estimated that 15.7% of adult women (aged 18 years and above) and 5.9% of adult men are obese. However, the prevalence of obesity in Nigeria is lower than the regional average of 20.7% for women and 9.2% for men.

Enter organic weight gain for babies

Globally, majority of overweight children are from high income countries. But some low income countries are starting to have problems with overweight. Many obese children become obese adults especially if one or both parents are obese.

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Recently, the so-called “organic” weight-gain pap for babies sparked outrage and deep concern among Nigerians, urging the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) to probe the food product. The product, which promises miraculous weight gain for infants, has been subjected to strong scrutiny by medical practitioners who have found them harmful to babies’ nutrition and growth.

The social media blogosphere is rife with different e-vendors springing up and offering all kinds of services including ‘organic’ skin lightening options for babies, weight gain for babies and many others

To many of these organic weight gain makers, it does not matter the ingredients of the food or pap, they already have an army of prospective customers who are easily swayed by pictures and visuals of before and after moments of alleged patrons of their products.

But investigations revealed that while some of these products give immediate solution to the weight problems their clients may have, they sometimes do more harm than good in the long run.

These sellers post babies weight transformation on their social media handles including Instagram and TikTok, prompting their fans to enquire about the products they applied and thus pushing many of such fans into the hands of these online organic weight gain makers. The experience has left many of them with regrets.

The term “organic” refers to how certain foods are produced. Recent epidemiological studies have explored the association between organic food consumption and the risk of obesity. Nutritionally, organic induced meals significantly impact on one’s growth and health.

Pap, also widely known as akamu, is a traditional West African food made from fermented grains. It is a staple in many cultures, valued for its versatility and nutritional benefits. It is similar to porridge and can be made from various grains like corn, millet, or sorghum.

Pap is particularly beneficial for nursing mothers and babies. It is believed to aid in breast milk production and provides a digestible food source for infants.

While it is beneficial, mothers are usually advised to always consult with their pediatricians before introducing new foods to their baby’s diet, especially when adding any other supplements, to which some children may be allergic. The primary concern is the overall nutritional balance of a baby’s diet.

How the product which is marketed as an “organic” solution to help babies gain weight bypassed NAFDAC’s certification remains a mystery to many Nigerians who have called for prompt action.

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Just like there are problems and diseases associated with under-nutrition or the typical malnutrition, there are problems and diseases the over-nourished/overweight children also have to deal with as the paediatric endocrinologists have unravelled. These overweight and obese children are prone to hypertension and diabetes even from childhood.

Mrs. Shakirah queried: “Ever wondered why there is an obsession with chubby babies? There is this issue of unnecessary worry by mothers because their babies are “not gaining weight” “looking lean” “skinny” “not chubby” “not fat enough” “always dropping (weight)” “not looking like other children” or “cannot see the food he is eating on him or her”.

“A petite cute baby is automatically under-fed to everyone. Different kinds of advice start coming in. Hence, weight gain pap for babies.”

For and against babies’ weight gain

Obsession with weight gain in babies appears to be gaining more traction. For some, it is more like “a trial will convince you”. Observation by The Nation on one of the vendor’s TikTok page revealed that some mothers in the comment section were drooling for babies’ weight gain, while others gave a sharp contrast.

Childhood overweight and obesity has been associated with serious health problems and risk of premature illness and death later in life. Uncontrolled child overweight and obesity can lead to all the health complications that can be noted in an adult.

Genius Hawalh lamented: “You see these new generation mothers who should have been in such or something? They are cancerous to now and the future. They misplace priorities effortlessly. And to the poison sellers, may VDM reason your matter, individually.”

For Onigbajo Toyin, it is a sad development.

She said: “This is so sad! There are more parents like this out there. Homemade food is meant for healthy growth, not questionable weight gain like this!

“This knocks down the work some of us are doing to promote homemade food for children.”

Chinedu Mpamugo: “Having an extremely big infant is not a ‘flex’ as some think. What you need is a healthy child, not an obese one.

“Infant obesity poses a short and long-term problem, with risk of chronic diseases later in life. It’s worse when you have to give special products for weight gain.”

Amaka Ohiri argued: “They don’t know the future health risks they are exposing their babies to. Why would a “so-called” mother feed a four-month-old with a weight gain pap? What happened to her breakfast milk? If she’s not lactating, what happened to age appropriate breast milk substitutes (baby milk)?”

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Ngene Akpa said: “The drugs they use in fattening pigs is what they put in the pap and some mothers administer it directly to their kids. I always say men should get actively involved to monitor what is happening.”

Mr. Ogochukwu lamented: “This is the most use*less era. Our parents of old used more organic nutritional products to grow us. The Gen z girls of now want it quick, using lots of processed chemical mixtures to feed their kids.”

Mr. Ejikem advised: “Men, please be involved in whatever your wives are doing to your kids. Only mentally deranged couples will buy weight gain pap for babies.

“Genetically, two slim people shouldn’t be having Orobo. These are the same people that bleach children.”

In response to the concerns raised about the product marketed as Pems Organic Weight Gain Pap, the seller issued a statement on her TikTok account, @purely_organicc.

In the statement, she maintained that her product is made from entirely natural ingredients, which she said are properly sorted, washed and dehydrated before production.

The statement reads in part: “I do not use any form of artificial content in my product; they are natural ingredients.

“Here are the ingredients I use: oats, sorghum, millet, tiger nut, cashew nut, soya beans, dried plantains, millet, date, crayfish and groundnut, all of which are properly sorted, washed, and dehydrated before production.”

She further defended the safety of her product, claiming that it had been used without any adverse reactions by her own children and numerous customers.

“This is a product I’ve used for my son and my niece and none of which they have ever reacted to, neither have any of my customers.

“I can share with you some contacts of my customers for confirmation,” she wrote.

“This is a product I send within and outside Nigeria, and no child has ever reacted to it!” she insisted.

The seller clarified that her business is registered with the Corporate Affairs Commission and is in the process of obtaining NAFDAC approval.

She wrote: “And for the part of NAFDAC, it is a process I’ve been working on for the past couple of weeks, and I’m trying to get all of the necessary documentation.

“Also, my business is registered under CAC, and I can send you some samples of my product for testing and can be taken to any lab for further inspection.”

Setting babies up for future health challenges?

The infancy stage of babies are crucial to their growth. Infancy is a time when the growth, coordination, and mental development occur. Newborns build upon their rooting, sucking and grasping reflexes. Infants begin to tug and pull on their hands, clench them into fists, and bring them to their mouths, all while learning to repeat their body movements.

Experts argue that responsive parenting behavior is very useful and important in averting detrimental feeding practices and child’s obesity. Poor eating and feeding practices start from the earliest days of a child’s life.

They underlined that some mothers may lack knowledge about balanced diets and healthy eating habits, leading to unintentional promotion of unhealthy weight gain.

As children begin transitioning to soft or solid foods around the six-month mark, too many are introduced to the wrong kind of diet.

A certified nutritionist, Odukoya Fiyinfoluwa, posited: “Overfeeding your baby or giving them calorie-dense but nutrient-poor foods to achieve that “chubby look” can set them up for future health challenges: obesity, diabetes, and even hypertension.

Health advocate and paediatrician, Ayobola Adebowale, noted that a baby’s overweight is a foundation for childhood obesity

He said: “There is a healthy weight pattern for babies — Double birth weight around five months; triple birth weight at first year!

“Your baby, after six months, should be eating good and balanced diet. You don’t necessarily have to give them energy dense foods because you want them to be chubby.

“Chubby doesn’t necessarily mean healthy. Your focus should be raising a healthy child with healthy weight. You say it is baby fat, I say it is a foundation for childhood obesity because you just wouldn’t stop feeding them.”

Doctor Egemba Chinonso, popularly known as Aproko Doctor, urged regulatory agencies to take action on these products which are detrimental to the health of babies and infants.

Checks by The Nation revealed that the agency in its extant law noted: “No NAFDAC regulated product shall be manufactured, imported, advertised, sold, distributed or used in Nigeria unless it has been registered in accordance with the provision of Food, Drugs and Related Products Registration, Act Cap F33 LFN 2004.

“A pre-packaged and/or labelled food product shall not be manufactured in Nigeria unless the facility has been inspected and Certificate of Listing is issued to the product by NAFDAC.”

Chinonso said: “Dear @NafdacAgency, I’m guessing this is within your purview. No one knows what is inside that pap. Also, this is setting these babies for damage.”

Three researchers, Drs Oluwafunmilayo Adeniyi, Gabriel Fagbenro and Foluke Olatona, in a 2020 report, noted that the rate of childhood obesity in some developing countries was as high as that of developed countries.

They added that children in low and middle-income countries were exposed to high-fat, high-sugar, high-salt, energy-dense, and micronutrient-poor foods, which were lower in cost but also lower in nutrient quality.

For the medics, these dietary patterns, in conjunction with lower levels of physical activity, result in a sharp increase in obesity in children.

How mothers induce obesity in their babies with ‘organic weight gain foods’

THE NATION

Related Topics:mothers obesity organic weight gain foods

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Health

FG to quarantine passengers from China amid virus surge

Published

18 minutes ago

January 6, 2025

Trends Admin

FG to quarantine passengers from China amid virus surge

The Federal Government of Nigeria has announced plans to implement surveillance measures for inbound passengers from China, following a surge in respiratory virus cases attributed to the Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV).

This decision comes in response to reports of overcrowded hospitals, emergency interventions, and growing public concern in China, where HMPV cases have spiked across northern provinces, particularly affecting children during the winter season.

The Nigerian authorities aim to monitor the situation closely to prevent potential spread within the country.

Neighboring nations such as Cambodia, Taiwan, and Hong Kong are also taking precautionary measures, though they have reported only a few cases and no widespread outbreaks thus far.

Health experts describe HMPV as a respiratory virus that can cause symptoms ranging from mild cold-like issues to severe complications, especially in children, the elderly, and those with compromised immune systems.

According to Chinese authorities, there has been a noticeable increase in HMPV cases, especially among children under 14 years old in northern parts of the country. Social media posts, accompanied by videos of overcrowded hospitals, have sparked fears of a larger-scale health crisis.

In response to the rising cases, the Chinese government announced measures, including constant monitoring of cases, the adoption of masks, social distancing and disinfection of public spaces to curb the increase of the virus.

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The new virus outbreak is coming five years after the emergence of a novel coronavirus – COVID-19 – in Wuhan, China, which was declared a global pandemic by the World Health Organisation on March 11, 2020.

So far, COVID-19 has infected 777 million people globally and killed over seven million, according to WHO.

However, while both HMPV and COVID-19 are respiratory illnesses, there are important differences. HMPV typically causes milder symptoms such as a cold or flu, while COVID-19, caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus, can lead to more severe health complications and long-term effects.

HMPV is also a seasonal virus, similar to other cold-causing pathogens like RSV, and infections usually peak during the winter months. HMPV, like COVID-19, spreads through respiratory droplets when an infected person coughs or sneezes and it can also spread via contaminated surfaces.

However, officials from the National Health Commission stated that while respiratory diseases are expected to rise during the winter months, the overall situation this year is less severe than last year.

Beijing also downplayed the developments as an annual winter occurrence.

China’s foreign ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said on Friday, “Respiratory infections tend to peak during the winter season. The diseases appear to be less severe and spread with a smaller scale compared to the previous year,” she said.

A pilot programme was launched by China to track pneumonia of unknown origin, ensuring labs and health agencies reported and managed cases more effectively, state broadcaster CCTV reported, quoting an administration official at a news conference.

The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said HMPV could cause upper and lower respiratory diseases in people of all ages, especially among young children, older adults and people with weakened immune systems.

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The U.S CDC noted that HMPV is most likely spread from an infected person to others through secretions from coughing and sneezing, close personal contact and touching objects or surfaces that have the viruses on them, then touching the mouth, nose, or eyes.

“Symptoms commonly associated with HMPV include cough, fever, nasal congestion and shortness of breath. Clinical symptoms of HMPV infection may progress to bronchitis or pneumonia and are similar to other viruses that cause upper and lower respiratory infections. The estimated incubation period is three to six days, and the median duration of illness can vary, depending upon severity but is similar to other respiratory infections caused by viruses,” the US CDC stated.

Meanwhile, health authorities in Nigeria are already implementing emergency measures to monitor and manage the spread of the HMPV.

The Director, Special Duties, Office of the Director-General of the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention, Dr John Oladejo, told The PUNCH on Sunday that the Federal Government would implement preventive measures by activating surveillance measures to curb the spread of the virus.

“The FG will activate surveillance measures, like quarantine, for passengers coming in from China,” Dr Oladejo said.

Earlier in November 2024, global health body WHO noted that it was closely monitoring the situation and was in close contact with national authorities in China, adding that it would continue to provide updates as warranted.

Based on the available information, WHO recommended that people in China followed measures to reduce the risk of respiratory illness, which include recommended vaccines against influenza, COVID-19 and other respiratory pathogens as appropriate; keeping distance from people who are ill; staying home when ill; getting tested and medical care as needed; wearing masks as appropriate; ensuring good ventilation; and practicing regular handwashing.

“WHO does not recommend any specific measures for travellers to China. In general, persons should avoid travel while experiencing symptoms suggestive of respiratory illness, if possible; in case of symptoms during or after travel, travellers are encouraged to seek medical attention and share travel history with their health care provider.

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“WHO advises against the application of any travel or trade restrictions based on the current information available on this event,” the body added.

First detected in Pakistan in 2001, the HMPV has caused several outbreaks over the years in the Asian nation, primarily affecting children, but the virus is new to Africa as there haven’t been reported cases on the continent.

“Human Metapneumovirus was first identified in Pakistan in 2001, and outbreaks have been reported since then,” an official at the National Institute of Health, Islamabad, said.

“In 2015, a study conducted at Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences found 21 cases of HMPV in children hospitalised with severe lower respiratory tract infections.”

Meanwhile, medical experts have stated that implementing surveillance measures against the virus was a crucial and appropriate step in ensuring that it doesn’t spread to the country.

They emphasised that surveillance should be an ongoing process carried out continuously by the government.

A virologist at the Department of Virology, College of Medicine, University College Hospital, Ibadan, Dr Moses Adewumi said, “On good day, surveillance should always be part of us. What happens most times is that despite the amount that was voted for COVID-19, we seem to have relaxed. Our people are more interested in spending the money, and after that, we probably decide to go to sleep. So, the surveillance should be a continuous thing.

“It is good that we increase our surveillance for people coming into the country, especially from China, Japan and other places, where we have the outbreaks. The government should be more involved in surveillance because most of the surveillance and all the research we do is funded by foreign bodies, so our own government should be more interested in research, in surveillance for all these viruses.

“The virus is not new but the surge may be because there is a different variant, and that is why we need to increase our surveillance and monitor it closely to curtail its introduction into the country. Experience has taught us that if we check now, we may have our people with antibodies already, and that’s a confirmation that it’s likely that this is circulating here, maybe not the exact variants that they have now.”

Also, an Associate Professor of Infectious Diseases and Genomics in the Department of Microbiology at the Adeleke University, Osun State, Oladipo Kolawole, noted that the decision by the government to implement surveillance measures was a good one, adding that it aimed to monitor and control the potential spread of the virus, ensuring public health safety as the situation developed.

Kolawole said, “The government is likely to enhance screening processes at points of entry and provide guidelines for travellers from China, this is to mitigate risks associated with HMPV. Activating surveillance allows for the early detection of cases, which is essential in managing outbreaks effectively. Monitoring travellers from regions experiencing outbreaks can help identify and isolate cases before they spread within the community.

“Also, quarantine for inbound passengers from the affected regions can significantly reduce the risk of transmission. It serves as a precautionary measure to ensure that individuals who may be infected do not unknowingly spread the virus to others. Finally, this situation underscores the importance of preparedness in public health systems.”

Meanehile, Hong Kong has reported a few cases of HMPV following the outbreak in China while Cambodia’s Communicable Disease Control Department issued warnings about the virus, noting its similarity to COVID-19 and influenza.

Taiwan’s Centers for Disease Control said the virus poses higher risks for children, the elderly and immuno-compromised individuals.

In neighbouring India, officials said there was no need for panic as HMPV is “like any other respiratory virus.”

FG to quarantine passengers from China amid virus surge

(Punch)

Health

Surgeon contracts cancer after operating on patient

Published

2 days ago

January 4, 2025

Trends Admin

Surgeon contracts cancer after operating on patient

A surgeon accidentally contracted cancer from a patient in a first of its kind occurrence. The patient, a 32-year-old man from Germany, had a unique form of cancer and was undergoing surgery to remove a tumour from his abdomen.

During the operation, the surgeon accidentally cut his hand. Although he cleaned and bandaged the wound right away, five months later, a small lump appeared at the injury site. When examined, it was found to be a malignant tumour, genetically identical to the cancer from the patient.

The medical team concluded that the surgeon likely caught the cancer when tumour cells entered the cut. The case was unusual because normally, the body fights off foreign tissue, which would have been expected in this situation. However, the tumour’s growth indicated the surgeon’s immune system did not effectively respond to the cancer cells.

Originally reported in 1996, this case gained new attention after being published in The New England Journal of Medicine. The report detailed how the surgeon injured his left hand while placing a drain during surgery. Despite the patient’s initial success in surgery, he later passed away due to complications.

Months later, a hard swelling appeared on the surgeon’s finger. Although tests showed no initial abnormalities, the growth was ultimately found to be a malignant fibrous histiocytoma.

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Both tumours were analysed and declared identical, suggesting that cancer cells from the patient had entered the surgeon’s body through the cut. The report emphasized that normally, the immune system would reject transplanted tissue.

In this case, while there was inflammation around the tumour, it still increased in size, indicating a failure of the immune response. Researchers proposed that the tumour might have escaped destruction by changing its cell molecules and evading the surgeon’s immune system.

Two years after the surgeon had his tumour removed, there were no signs of cancer returning. The study also highlighted cases where heart transplant patients adopt traits from their donors.

Doctors found the case intriguing because the transplanted tissue is different from the host’s tissue, making it a target for the immune system, which tries to reject it. This is why people who receive organ transplants need to take immunosuppressive medications to prevent their bodies from rejecting the new organ.

In this specific situation, although the surgeon experienced inflammation around his original incision, his immune system did not stop the tumor from growing. Instances like the surgeon’s are very rare, and there are no reliable statistics on cancer that is transferred through organ transplants.

Health

US issues new advisory linking alcohol to cancer

Published

3 days ago

January 3, 2025

Trends Admin

US issues new advisory linking alcohol to cancer

The United States’ Surgeon General, Dr. Vivek Murthy, has issued a public advisory emphasizing the significant link between alcohol consumption and cancer.

Released Friday, the guidance is based on research identifying alcohol as a contributor to at least seven types of cancer.

According to the advisory, alcohol increases the likelihood of developing cancers of the throat, liver, esophagus, mouth, larynx, colon, and rectum. It further identifies alcohol as the third leading preventable cause of cancer in the U.S., following tobacco use and obesity.

“Alcohol is a well-established, preventable cause of cancer responsible for about 100,000 cases of cancer and 20,000 cancer deaths annually in the United States – greater than the 13,500 alcohol-associated traffic crash fatalities per year in the U.S. – yet the majority of Americans are unaware of this risk,” Dr. Murthy stated. “This Advisory lays out steps we can all take to increase awareness of alcohol’s cancer risk and minimize harm.”

How Alcohol Contributes to Cancer
The advisory outlines four primary mechanisms by which alcohol increases cancer risk:

Acetaldehyde Exposure: Alcohol breaks down into acetaldehyde, a chemical that can damage DNA and elevate cancer risk.

Oxidative Stress: Alcohol triggers oxidative stress, harming DNA, proteins, and cells while causing inflammation.
Hormonal Changes: Alcohol alters hormone levels, such as estrogen, which has been linked to an increased risk of breast cancer.

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The advisory notes that more than 16% of breast cancer cases are associated with alcohol use.
Enhanced Absorption: Alcohol facilitates conditions that allow it to be absorbed more readily, compounding its risks.

The advisory also emphasizes that individual risk is influenced by a combination of biological, environmental, social, and economic factors.

Steps to Mitigate Risk
Dr. Murthy’s recommendations include adding warning labels to alcoholic beverages highlighting the cancer risk and reassessing guidelines on alcohol consumption limits. He encourages individuals to make informed decisions about their alcohol intake and calls on healthcare professionals to educate the public about the risks.

“Too many Americans are living with an outdated assumption that some amount of alcohol is not only harmless, but also good for you,” the advisory warns.

Expert Reactions
Dr. Marc Siegel, a clinical professor at NYU Langone Health, supported the advisory’s findings. “Increasing evidence shows that [alcohol being harmless] isn’t true,” he told Fox News Digital.

Dr. Siegel noted that alcohol, often viewed as a stress-reliever, is a “proven toxin” with clear links to diseases of the liver, heart, and brain. While traditional guidelines suggest moderate drinking—up to one drink daily for women and two for men—Siegel pointed out, “In fact, no amount of alcohol is healthy.”

The pandemic further complicated the issue, with alcohol consumption rising by 25% during periods of heightened stress and isolation.

“The timing of this advisory is right on the mark,” Dr. Siegel added, stressing the need for a public shift in understanding alcohol’s risks.