Consumption of sugary foods and the risk of childhood obesity: the urgent need for an assessment in Benin
In Benin, as in many countries around the world, the growing consumption of sugary and ultra-processed foods among children is raising concerns among both families and health authorities. While public attention has long focused on undernutrition, a silent nutritional transition is underway, increasing the risks of obesity and chronic diseases among young children.
The challenge is to protect the health of Beninese children amid changing dietary habits.For decades, the nutritional challenge in Benin has been primarily associated with undernutrition. However, recent data show that overweight and obesity, albeit at modest levels, are beginning to emerge among children, particularly in urban areas.
According to statistics, approximately 1.9% of children under five are overweight—a figure that may seem low but reflects a growing trend toward diets higher in calories and added sugars. In low- and middle-income countries, the World Health Organization (WHO) and its partners observe a double burden of malnutrition—namely, the coexistence of underweight and overweight/obesity within the same population. This phenomenon is often linked to limited access to nutritious foods combined with increased exposure to processed foods high in sugar, fat, and salt.
The impact of sugary foods on children’s diets…
One of the main concerns is the growing role of sugary foods in the diets of Beninese children. Sugary drinks, candy, processed cookies, and even certain breakfast cereals are consumed regularly by many children. These added sugars are empty calories—that is, calories that provide no significant amount of fiber, vitamins, or essential minerals.
When consumed in excess, they cause insulin spikes and increase appetite, promoting faster storage of body fat. These physiological mechanisms are particularly concerning in children, whose bodies are still developing and whose eating habits are formed at an early age.
Health consequences for children…
Obesity and overweight are not just external marks. They are predisposed to a series of non-communicable diseases (NCDs), such as the type 2 diabetes increasingly diagnosed in young people, with severe cases observed in adolescence, cardiovascular diseases – excess body fat promotes hypertension and lipid imbalance, as well as metabolic disorders with long-term consequences for physical and mental health.
In Benin, the risk factors for these diseases among the entire population are already considered a priority by the Ministry of Health and the WHO, including poor diet and physical inactivity. In children, these risks can manifest early and follow the individual into adulthood, reducing life expectancy and increasing health-care costs.
A changing reality…
In Cotonou, in the outlying neighborhoods where supermarkets and shops sell sugary drinks in abundance, parents like Aïssata say they’ve noticed a shift in their children’s eating habits. “Before, my son mostly ate rice, vegetables, and fruit. Now he wants the cookies his classmates buy after school.” This kind of testimony illustrates the social and economic pressures that encourage the consumption of sugary foods, which are often less expensive and more accessible than balanced meals.
Expert advice to reverse the trend…
Experts recommend drastically reducing children’s consumption of sugary drinks, candy, and processed cookies. These products should not be part of their daily diet. Instead, encourage the consumption of nutritious traditional Beninese foods such as attiéké, cassava, leafy vegetables, and local fruits.
This ensures that children receive essential nutrients without excessive sugar. Schools must adopt healthier food policies, limit the sale of sugary products in cafeterias, and educate students and parents about the importance of a balanced diet. It is necessary to encourage outdoor play and sports at school and limit screen time, as these are effective measures.
In Benin, the nutritional transition accompanying urbanization and the globalization of diets is gradually exposing children to the risk of obesity. While national data still show a relatively low prevalence compared to certain regions of the world, the situation is changing rapidly. The challenge lies in anticipating this trend by combining education, public policy, responsible family practices, and the promotion of healthy eating.