School holidays are a joyful time for children, but from a health perspective, they are a period when parents should pay extra attention. Numerous studies indicate that children tend to gain weight and experience a faster increase in Body Mass Index (BMI) during school breaks compared to when school is in session.

Childhood obesity is not just about physical appearance; it is the starting point for many chronic diseases in the future, such as diabetes, high blood pressure, and abnormal blood lipid levels. It also negatively impacts a child’s self-confidence and emotional development.

Why Do “School Breaks” Increase the Risk of Childhood Obesity? Medical research shows that school holidays significantly disrupt a child’s daily structure, introducing several key risk factors:

1. Decreased physical activity: Without a school schedule and related activities, children often spend most of their time indoors—sitting, watching screens, or playing—rather than moving around, leading to reduced energy expenditure.

2. Increased screen time: Spending long hours on phones, tablets, or watching television is closely linked to sedentary behavior and mindless snacking.

3. Changes in eating habits: Children have easier access to sweets, sugary drinks, and high-calorie foods, especially when they are staying home all day.

4. Irregular sleep patterns: Staying up late and waking up late disrupts the hormones that regulate hunger and fullness, increasing a child’s appetite and cravings for high-calorie foods.

Academic Evidence: Children Gain More Weight During “School Breaks” Than During the School Year International literature reviews show that the rate of BMI increase in children is significantly higher during school holidays compared to the academic year. If these behaviors repeat annually, they can lead to long-term chronic obesity.

The World Health Organization (WHO) identifies childhood obesity as one of the most serious global public health challenges, emphasizing that early prevention during childhood is the crucial key.

What Warning Signs Should Parents Watch For?

• Unusually rapid weight gain

• Getting tired easily and moving less

• Spending more than 2 hours a day on screens

• Eating sweets or snacking throughout the day

• Consistently going to bed late and waking up late

If these behaviors are allowed to continue, they can unknowingly affect a child’s long-term health.

How to Keep Your Child Away from Obesity This School Break

• Organize at least 60 minutes of physical activity daily.

• Limit screen time and encourage activities that involve physical movement.

• Prepare healthy meals and snacks, reducing sugar, fat, and sodium.

• Maintain a sleep-wake schedule similar to the school term.

• Engage children in family activities to build sustainable, healthy habits.

School holidays may be short, but the impact on a child’s health can be long-lasting if not properly managed. Awareness today is the starting point for preventing obesity and building a strong, healthy future for your child, because a child’s good health begins with parental care.