Health experts have appealed to the public to involve people with disabilities (PWDs) and children in early exercises to increase their levels of fitness as a way of talking obesity.

Obesity in young adults is rising, which is a precursor to diabetes and cardiovascular diseases later in life.

Data from the Uganda Demographic and Health Survey (UDHS) of 2016 shows that prevalence of obesity was 4.4% in Kampala and 0% in Kamuli, while the prevalence of overweight was 10.2% and 10.6% in the same districts, respectively.

It is from these statistics that Felix Okumu Wamala, a fitness instructor at Koona Dance Workout Uganda in Kampala based his encouragement parents to engage children, especially those born with disabilities in periodic exercises.

A fitness instructor takes participants through their paces. Photo by Isaac Nuwagaba

“When children engage in exercises early, it develops their mental health and strengthens their bodies,” Wamala said.

“To be born with a disability cannot subject a kid to lifetime laziness like many take these scores to be. Even children born with disabilities can be flexible and engage in house chores at home. Encourage them to exercise,” he added.

Wamala made the remarks on Saturday during the fitness exercise at the Koona Dance end of year event organised in partnership with Nella Wellness, SM Motors Uganda, All In Trade Uganda Ltd and Koona Dance Workout at the MTN Arena in Lugogo, Kampala.

Over 200 people turned up for the event including Proline Academy children who were playing football at the time of the fully packed event.

Kids from the Proline Football Academy take part in football drills. Photo by Isaac Nuwagaba

The event, which aimed at raising awareness on fitness and wellness across Uganda, emphasised on proper feeding with balanced diet, right amounts of food and exercise timetable to burn unnecessary calories.

Ivan Philip Baguma, a dietitian at Nella Organics, advised that everybody needs the right nutrition with a balanced exercise timetable to remain healthy.

“A complete human being who is healthy needs 20% fitness levels and 80% nutrition values. That’s why you should take super foods or simply fruits and vegetables to acquire that,” Baguma said.

Residing in the city, alcohol consumption, smoking, non-engagement in sporting activities, commuting to school by taxi or private vehicle and being from a rich family, were the main factors significantly associated with obesity.