Childhood Obesity in Vietnam: Causes and Concerns môn Principles of Management | Trường Đại học Quốc tế, Đại học Quốc gia Thành phố Hồ Chí Minh

Recently, childhood obesity has become a growing public health concern in Vietnam, with the
rate projected to rise significantly by 2035. This alarming trend reflects rapid lifestyle and
dietary changes in Vietnamese society. The main factors contributing to the increase in
childhood obesity include the rising consumption of fast food, a lack of regular physical exercise
among children, and parents’ limited awareness of healthy nutrition and weight management.
One of the common reasons for the rising obesity in Vietnamese children is the increase in junk
food consumption. In these days, more families have adopted a modern lifestyle that includes
frequent consumption of fast food, snacks, and processed meals. These foods are high in calories,
sugar, and unhealthy fats, which significantly increase the risk of weight gain in children.
Additionally, the rapid growth of ingredients has made junk food become more accessible and
affordable. For instance, Jollibee, the popular fast food brand with over 200 stores in the whole
of Vietnam, has shown up with tasting spaghetti and marketing strategies targeted at children by
an iconic character, Bee, which encourage them to consume their products frequently, leading to
an imbalance in their eating habits.
Another major factor contributing to the rising obesity rate in Vietnam is the lack of physical
activity among children, which is an emerging problem. Many kids spend hours addicted to
screens due to the rise in social media use, choosing to stay inside instead of playing outside,
which significantly lowers their daily energy expenditure. The scarcity of secure leisure areas in
cities exacerbates this problem. Parents are becoming more protective due to worries about
stranger danger and traffic accidents, which frequently prevent their kids from playing outside.
Furthermore, chronic stress can be brought on by social pressures, body image problems, and
academic pressure. This can then encourage emotional eating as a coping strategy. When
combined, these elements produce an atmosphere where kids are more likely to be inactive and
overeat. Together, these factors create an environment where children are more sedentary and
more likely to consume excess calories, accelerating the trend of childhood obesity in Vietnam.
A significant driver of rising childhood obesity in Vietnam is the lack of parental
awareness regarding healthy practices. Traditionally, many parents mistakenly believe a chubby
child is a healthy or well-fed one, thus ignoring the early signs of childhood obesity. This
perspective is rooted in past food scarcity, when having a large child visually demonstrated
prosperity and good care. For example, some parents encourage their children to eat large
portions or finish every meal, even when the child is already full. They believe the extra weight
provides a reserve of strength to help the child recover faster from illness without realizing it can
lead to unhealthy weight gain. This oversight makes parents less likely to take action in their
child's diet or physical activity until the weight gain is severe.
To sum up, the statistics of childhood overweight have risen sharply in recent years, including in
Vietnam. The significant consumption of fast food and the lack of physical exercise in children
are closely linked to modern lifestyles and parental influence. At the same time, parents often
also overlook the long-term health consequences of these habits and fail to encourage outdoor
activities, leading to sedentary behavior and reduced energy expenditure. The strong influence of
social media trends encourages young people to follow the crowd and purchase popular fast-food
items promoted online. Therefore, raising awareness among parents and promoting healthier
lifestyle choices are essential steps toward protecting children’s health in the face of modern challenges.