PANAMA CITY, Panama – The Ministry of Health (Minsa) issued a formal warning to parents this week about the significant health risks associated with children’s excessive consumption of candy and sweets. The alert comes ahead of upcoming holiday seasons and festivities where children traditionally receive large quantities of treats.
Health officials emphasized that while sweets provide a high amount of energy, they offer minimal nutritional value, contributing to a growing public health concern. The ministry is actively promoting healthier alternatives to combat rising rates of childhood obesity and related health issues.
Nutritional Deficiencies and Health Consequences
According to Yenny Carrasco from the Nutrition Department of Minsa, candies are primarily composed of simple sugars like glucose, fructose, and sucrose, along with various additives and colorants that enhance their flavor and appearance.
“Sweets provide a large amount of energy, but contain very little protein, scarce minerals, and almost no vitamins,” stated Carrasco [Translated from Spanish].
The ministry’s concern is particularly focused on the timing of this warning, as numerous upcoming celebrations typically involve children receiving abundant sweets. Carrasco expressed the institution’s position clearly, noting the negative impact on children’s diets.
“From the Ministry of Health, we are worried about children’s health. Soon there will be parties where they are given many sweets, which do not contribute at all to good nutrition,” Carrasco said [Translated from Spanish].
Minsa officials identified specific health consequences linked to daily candy consumption, including digestive disorders, childhood obesity, and dental caries. The regular intake of these high-calorie, low-nutrient foods poses significant long-term health risks for the pediatric population.
Panama’s Obesity Prevention Initiatives
The health warning aligns with Minsa’s ongoing Obesity Prevention and Control Program, which addresses concerning statistics regarding childhood weight issues. Recent data reveals that 10.3% of preschool and school-aged children in Panama are affected by overweight conditions.
This program represents a comprehensive approach to what health authorities recognize as a growing public health challenge. The prevalence of overweight children has prompted the ministry to intensify its educational campaigns and preventive measures.
Childhood overweight is considered a significant risk factor for numerous health complications later in life, including metabolic disorders and chronic diseases. The ministry’s position reflects a proactive stance toward preventing these conditions through early nutritional intervention.
Recommended Healthy Alternatives
In place of traditional sweets, Minsa nutrition experts recommend offering children healthier options that provide essential nutrients necessary for proper growth and development. The ministry specifically suggests fresh fruits, yogurt with fruits, or dried fruits as superior alternatives to conventional candies.
These recommended substitutes offer similar sweetness while delivering vital vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients absent in processed sweets. The initiative aims to shift cultural traditions around celebrations toward more nutritionally responsible practices.
The final recommendation from the health authority emphasized that parents, teachers, and educational centers all share responsibility for implementing preventive measures against excessive candy consumption. This collective approach is considered essential for effectively addressing the public health challenge.
For more information on childhood nutrition guidelines and the Obesity Prevention and Control Program, the ministry encourages the public to consult official resources and healthcare providers.