Does your child struggle with weight? It is now up to you as a parent to
ensure that your chubby, cheeky child maintains a healthy weight.
One of the
most important health issues facing the globe today is childhood obesity. In
today’s world, one in five children is overweight or obese. One of the simplest
medical conditions to identify, but one of the most challenging to cure, is childhood
obesity. It can, however, be treated by making diet and lifestyle changes. Such
changes are actually required since obese children are more likely to stay that
way throughout their teens and are at a higher risk of developing
weight-related problems.
This article
will discuss an overview of childhood obesity as well as recommendations for
preventing it.
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What Exactly Is Childhood Obesity?
When a child
weighs more than is healthy for their age and height, it is said to be “childhood
obesity.” Because children’s body compositions change as they age, and BMI is a
factor used to calculate children’s weight.
How Is BMI (Body Mass Index) Calculated?
It is the measurement
of weight in relation to height that is determined by multiplying a person’s weight
in kilograms (kg) by the square of their height in meters.
Note: According
to many studies, a child is considered obese if their BMI is at or over 95%.
What Causes Childhood Obesity And Its Symptoms?
One of the main causes of childhood obesity is “Energy imbalance.” Usually, for growth and development, children require a particular number of calories. However, if they consume more calories than they burn, their body will store the excess calories as fat. The following are the primary causes of childhood obesity:
--> Lack of physical activity
--> Obesity in the family
--> Genetics
--> Hormonal imbalance
--> Eating more food than required
--> Excessive eating of high-calorie foods like pizza, burgers, cheese-loaded foods, and many others
--> Excessive eating of sugar-based foods
Symptoms of childhood obesity
Apart from
extra body weight, children with obesity do not exhibit any visible signs of
the condition. Additionally, not all children who weigh more than normal are
considered obese or overweight.
What Makes Childhood Obesity To Be A Problem?
Children who are overweight are more likely to experience a variety of health problems. These problems include:
--> Type 2 diabetes
--> High blood pressure
--> Heart disease
--> High cholesterol
--> Fatty liver
--> Shortness of breath
--> Sleep disorder
--> Constipation
--> Acid reflux
--> Stroke
Additionally, they also experience psychological problems, including the following:
--> Bullying
--> Social isolation
--> Low self-esteem
--> Depression
--> Stress
How Can Childhood Obesity Be Prevented?
Children can maintain a healthy weight by learning to eat healthy foods and making other lifestyle changes with the help of their parents, caretakers, and teachers. The following suggestions will help in preventing childhood obesity:
1. Provide healthy foods
Actually, a balanced, healthy, low-fat meal provides your kids with the nutrition they require and helps in the formation of healthy eating habits. Teach them the value of eating healthy foods by providing them with a range of foods, such as whole grains, fruits, vegetables, dairy products, lentils, and lean meats.
2. Watch portion size
Obesity is frequently caused by overeating; therefore, parents should ensure that their children get balanced meals with a range of foods.
3. Help children to move
Children should exercise for at least 20 to 30 minutes each day starting at age 2, according to experts. Running, jumping rope, gymnastics, and many other activities.
4. Limit calorie-rich foods
Children would not understand the consequences of consuming excessive amounts of calorie-rich products like candies, sweets, and other junk foods. These foods can lead to obesity. Parents should remember that, while allowing their children to enjoy treats on occasion, they should not do so on a regular basis.
5. Reduce screen time
Limit the amount of time that kids spend watching TV, playing video games, or engaging in other screen-related activities to no more than two hours (1 hour in the morning and 1 in the evening) per day. Encourage children to choose enjoyable activities they can do with their family, on their alone, or with their friends.
6. Quality sleep is important
A quality night’s sleep is important. Inadequate sleep causes children to consume more and engage in less physical activity, which is directly linked to obesity in children. The amount of sleep needed varies by age, and children need more sleep than adults.
7. Maintain a proper routine
It would be a good idea to keep children on a regular schedule and schedule their activities so that they do not spend more time than expected on anything. This indicates that everything in your child’s schedule, including wake-up, exercise, eating, reading, play, and sleep time, should be monitored.
How Is Childhood Obesity Diagnosed?
A BMI test may be used by the doctor to detect whether the child is obese. By comparing the index to other children of a similar age and gender, the BMI is calculated. A child is regarded as overweight if their BMI is between 85% and 95%; anything above that is considered obese.
Children’s Obesity Treatment
Based on the child’s age and medical conditions, doctors recommend several courses of treatment for childhood obesity. Usually, doctors recommend diet and physical activity to control weight first. Rarely, a doctor might recommend medications or weight-loss surgery.
Final Thought
Parents should keep in mind that the best way to help an obese child is to focus on their health rather than their weight. Furthermore, you are responsible for helping your children if he or she is obese by focusing on their health rather than weight. You are also responsible for helping your children on their path to greater health. Encourage your children to adopt good eating and lifestyle practices early on to ensure that they continue to do so as adults.
I hope that this article fully covers the key causes of childhood obesity and effective preventive measures.