Childhood obesity is one of the serious problems that are on the rise. The statistics show that obesity is not commonly observed in aged persons, but also in the children and youth. In the incidence of type-2 diabetes, it is the obese children and adolescents who showed their number in large. Obesity can go hand in hand with other diseases like diabetes and thyroid and is also a common threat to heart risks in future because of overweight and cholesterol problems. Obese children also suffers from other well- known problems like sleep apnea, orthopedic problems, asthma etc., Because of this children gradually loses concentration which affects learning and memory problems.
All children necessarily need good height and weight to do well, but what if your child is putting some extra pounds of weight in his/ her body. This kind of growth and development is certainly abnormal. Doctors do say that when a child’s BMI exceeds 30 or in other words say if your child’s BMI is greater than 95% of the children of their age, and gender, then they are said to be overweight. So the child’s health must be taken care from time- to- time and this is primarily in the hands of parents.
There are several factors that lead to childhood obesity. One cannot escape, but however if they try to control them they can cut down if the problems do arise in budding stages.
Hereditary Factors: Genetic factors are the compulsive reason to create obesity problems in children. These may affect the child at a very early age or in the adolescent age. A child falling victim to obesity under this factor may suffer a lot in future. They inherent much of other diseases like diabetes, blood pressure, liver problems, thyroid problems etc., Lack of physical factors, endocrine disorder and improper food habits may also lead to obesity in this case.
Unhealthy Lifestyle: Adapting to unhealthy lifestyle where a child is more likely to eat beyond limit, over stress in academics, watching television and lack of proper sleep may be some of the reasons for your child’s obesity. Instead if you make your child involve in more physical activity, make them eat good healthy diet make them adapt to good behavior and attitude. Following these guidelines help in reducing chronic diseases.
Anorexia Nervosa: This is a condition where your child eats beyond limit. This increases the caloric content in your child’s body which in turn increases the fat content thus making your child look overweight/oversized. This kind of diet is usually followed in case of nutritional deficiencies and the child tends to eat more and more without quitting.
Yes of course a parental care is much necessary to maintain the height and weight of the child in a balanced manner. There are certainly many ways that help your children overcome weight.
Following these simple guidelines and by promoting good healthy lifestyle one can help their children in overcoming childhood obesity soon or within no time. You can share your views via the comments section.
Manoja Kalakanti