Why Does High-Salt Food Lead to Childhood Obesity?

Why Does High-Salt Food Lead to Childhood Obesity?

Researchers from the University of George in the United Kingdom assert that "salt is a concealed factor contributing to obesity." This is primarily due to children consuming excessive salty meats and fast food, often accompanied by high-calorie sugary beverages when they feel thirsty. Reducing the amount of salt in food is crucial. The researchers estimate that if the salt intake for children is halved—meaning reducing half a teaspoon per day—it could result in a weekly reduction of 18 ounces of sugary drinks.

The total intake of dietary salt in daily life may be underestimated because not all the salt causing obesity comes from the shakable salt bottle on the table; in fact, 80% of it comes from processed foods. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration is considering proposals to limit the amount of salt added to processed foods, with recommendations to gradually reduce salt content by 10% to 20%. The American Medical Association demands that high-salt foods be labeled with easily identifiable labels, as excessive salt intake not only leads to obesity but also triggers hypertension and heart disease. Parents should carefully read food labels when buying groceries for their children, choosing low-salt options and providing them with plenty of unsalted fresh fruits and vegetables whenever possible.