Turning overweight into overjoyed

By KATHERINE HOBY

Teariki Tautu's eyes light up at the news she has lost weight this week. He beams - a watermelon slice of a grin - and jumps off the scales.

A group of parents and children sitting on a school lawn in Otara applaud.

Teariki is one of a group of overweight or obese Auckland youngsters being helped to change their lifestyle.

A group of medical staff and schools in South Auckland are fighting an obesity epidemic threatening the health of their children.

South Seas Health Care runs a programme for overweight and obese children to change their lifestyle and diet.

Nurses Christina Tapu and Loloahi Simanu smile as they hand out certificates and fuss over their charges, but they take their job seriously.

"It is a serious problem, but we have to do what we can to make it enjoyable for the kids," Mrs Simanu says.

"And they do look forward to it. We've managed to make it fun." "nte

The programme, which was named by the participants, is called Kids In Action Pasefika Challenge.

About 40 children and young people aged 5-18 have attended a two-hour session each week for seven weeks.

The participants, some of whom weigh 100kg or more, will keep going to maintain the changes in their lifestyles.

Each meeting includes outdoor activities, aerobics, a weigh-in and, most importantly, encouragement.

Mrs Simanu says children are given an individual plan suggesting small changes - replacing full-cream milk with a low-fat version, walking to school, and taking water to school rather than a soft drink.

Role models are vital, she says. Boxer David Tua appeared at last week's weigh-in and handed out certificates.

"If I have something that can make a difference in somebody's life, I will," he says.

"And these kids are the future. Some of them, Polynesians especially, need encouragement to get out there."

Former Manu Samoa rugby player Filipo Saena enjoys coaching the children.

He says it is crucial that parents "hook up and plug in" with the programme.

"They do the shopping, and if they understand what's required to get their child on a healthier path then we've won a good bit of the battle."

He says affordability is an issue for many parents when it comes to healthier food.

Paediatrician Dr Teuila Percival supervises progress, giving all the participants a full checkup.

"This epidemic needs a long-term treatment. It needs to involve family and a serious commitment to change."

Obesity health problems

Immediate:

Type 2 diabetes: used to affect adults only, but now as many as one in five diabetic children treated at Starship children's hospital have Type 2.

High blood pressure.

Hip and joint problems.

Low self-esteem

Long term: Heart disease

Strokes

Gout