Childhood obesity is a serious medical ailment that affects children and adolescents.
It happens when a child is significantly over the ideal weight for his height. This can be determined using a body mass index (BMI) percentile.
In recent times, childhood obesity poses a sense of growing concern as children are beginning to have health problems that were once considered adult problems- diabetes, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol.
This new post seeks to highlight the growing danger that childhood obesity poses to society and the need to put an end to this menace…
Our children deserve to live a healthy life!!!
Causes
Nowadays, there are many reasons why a child may become obese, though in most cases, they are overweight because of the unhealthy foods they eat and the sedentary lifestyle they have.
Many of such reasons are listed below:
1. Behavioral factors: Eating calorie-rich foods but nutrient-lacking (junk foods), eating bigger portions, spending a lot of time in front of the television or computer, or spending too little time doing physical activities are some examples of behavioral factors that can cause obesity.
2. Environmental factors: Having access to junk foods easily, lack of parks and playgrounds for children, and fewer opportunities for physical activity can be contributing factors.
3. Genetic factors: A child is more at risk of being obese when at least one parent is obese but this does not necessarily mean the child is destined to be overweight. Several steps can be taken to lower this risk.
4. Medical conditions and medications: Genetic syndromes like Bader-Willi, and hormonal conditions like hypothyroidism are among medical conditions that can cause obesity. Medications like steroids and antidepressants can cause obesity.
Symptoms
Symptoms of obesity may be different for each child but some of the most common symptoms include:
1. Appearance: Stretch marks on the hips and abdomen; dark, velvety skin around the neck and in other areas; fatty tissue deposition in breast area, especially in boys.
2. Psychological: Abuse and teasing; poor self-esteem, eating disorders.
3. Pulmonary: Shortness of breath when physically active; lack of sleep.
4. Gastroenterological: Constipation; gastroesophageal reflux.
5. Reproductive: Early puberty and irregular menstruation in girls; delayed puberty in boys; genitals may appear disproportionately small in males.
6. Orthopedic: Flat feet; knock knees; dislocated hip.
Treatment
Whether your child is overweight as a result of genetic factors or simply because of eating too many unhealthy foods, lifestyle changes are a must for long-term weight loss. This includes dietary improvement and increased physical activity.
It is crucial to note that weight loss is not always the ultimate goal when treating excessive weight in childhood.
In some instances, especially in young children, a child can “grow into” his height by maintaining the weight as he grows taller but in older children with a higher body mass index, losing weight might become a treatment goal, as the rate of growth slows.
Depending on your child’s needs, a multi-specialty health team may helpful to develop a specific treatment plan that can include:
• Nutrition counseling and modification of diet quality and calorie content.
• Increased physical activity.
• Behavioural modification to address your child's self-esteem and attitudes about food.
• Individual or group therapy focused on changing behaviors and confronting feelings related to weight and normal development issues.
• Family counseling to help support changes in the home.
Diet
Traditionally, overweight children have difficulty following low-fat and low-calorie diets, and those who eventually lose weight have a difficult time sustaining it ‘long-term’. This is because they feel deprived by the small amounts and types of foods they can eat often.
The low-glycemic diet is being used as the best approach to tackle childhood obesity. This diet includes:
• Eating fiber-rich, natural carbohydrates such as non-starchy vegetables, fruits, and beans along with protein and healthy fats (like nuts, avocado, or olive oil).
• Eating grain products in their least processed state possible.
• Have a sugary treat, but do so only in moderation and after a balanced meal.
• Limiting fruit juice to 1 cup a day, avoiding sugary sodas totally, and drinking mostly water.
However, to be as healthy as possible, children should eat a healthy diet and engage in daily physical activities.
It has been suggested by experts that 60 minutes of moderate physical activity daily is helpful for most children. Running, bicycling, jumping rope, dancing, and playing basketball or soccer are good ways for them to be active.
Prevention
Researchers continue to search for ways to treat obesity but presently, prevention is the best option - this means eating a healthy diet and maintaining an active lifestyle.
You can also help your child to maintain a healthy weight by doing these little things:
• Protect the home environment by stocking your home with only healthy foods so your child is not tempted to snack on unhealthy foods.
• Be a role model to your child by eating a healthy diet and maintaining an active lifestyle which will set a positive example to your child.
• Give water instead of sugar-sweetened drinks.
• Offer age-appropriate portion sizes and keep serving platters and bowls off the table to prevent your child from overeating.
• Limiting screen time to 2 hours a day (television, computer, phones and video games).
• Not using food as a reward for good behavior, academic achievements, or eating healthy food.
The long-term outlook
The increasing cases of childhood obesity puts our children at more risk of:
• Having medical conditions like diabetes, heart disease, asthma, reproductive problems, liver diseases, and some cancers.
• Living with psychosocial disabilities, including social isolation and depression.
• Being overweight as an adult.
Let’s put a stop to the growing menace of childhood obesity by ensuring our children eat healthy foods and maintain an active lifestyle!!
Dr. Favvy
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Disclaimer
The
information on this blog is just for educational purposes only.
It
should not be used as a replacement for the medical care and advise of your
child’s pediatrician.
Always
consult your pharmacist before giving your child any drug.
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