Harshalee Parkar
Bariatric Dietician & Content Writer
Childhood & Obesity - Complications & Causes, Prevention
Obesity in childhood is a major medical problem that affects children and adolescents. It’s especially concerning because extra pounds frequently set children on the path to health problems that were formerly thought to be adult issues – diabetes, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol. Obesity in childhood can also lead to low self-esteem and depression.
Obesity is a condition that predisposes one to other difficulties; thus, it is related to a variety of health consequences. Obese children are more prone to develop comorbidities such as type 2 diabetes, dyslipidemia, hypertension, and cardiovascular disease Depression, as well as psychological issues, and they are more likely to remain fat throughout adolescence and adulthood.
Improving your entire family’s food and exercise habits is one of the most effective techniques for reducing childhood obesity. Childhood obesity treatment and prevention protects your child’s health now and in the future.
Causes of Childhood Obesity can be:
Obesity is caused by an imbalance between energy intake and expenditure, which is linked to lifestyle and diet. There are some other factors that can cause obesity are:
Genetics: Because of their genetic make-up, certain children have more tendency to be overweight. If a child’s parents are overweight or obese, the youngster themselves has a greater risk of developing this condition in adulthood.
Poor Diet: A poor diet can contribute to weight gain and obesity. A diet that is high in processed foods, sugary drinks, and fast food is one example of a poor diet.
Fast Food Consumption: In recent years, increased fast food consumption has been related to obesity. Many families, particularly those with two working parents, choose these locations since they are often preferred by their children and are both handy and economical. Fast food restaurants sell foods that are high in calories but lacking in nutritional value.
Portion Size: Portion sizes have risen dramatically during the last decade. Large quantities, as well as frequent snacking on high-calorie foods, lead to an excessive caloric intake. This energy imbalance can lead to weight growth and, ultimately, obesity.
Insufficient Physical Activity: Living a sedentary lifestyle and not getting enough exercise are both risk factors that can lead to weight gain and obesity. Obesity prevalence increased by 2% for every additional hour of screen usage each day. Viewing of television and mobile devices by young children and teenagers has increased considerably in recent years.
Environmental Factors: The environment in which a child develops and matures can also play a part in the progression of obesity in that child. This illness can be contributed to by a number of factors, including a lack of safe venues for physical activity and the availability of easy access to bad dietary options.
Family Factor: Family factors have also been linked to an increase in obesity cases. Food preferences of family members and the sorts of food available in the house can impact what foods youngsters eat. Furthermore, family mealtimes might influence the type and amount of food ingested. Finally, the youngster is influenced by family habits, whether they are sedentary or physically active.
The complications which might occur because of obesity are:
Childhood obesity is frequently associated with issues in a child’s physical, social, and emotional well-being.
Physical difficulties
Physical consequences of childhood obesity include:
Diabetes type II. This chronic illness has an impact on how your child’s body uses sugar (glucose). Obesity and a sedentary lifestyle raise the chance of developing type 2 diabetes.
High blood pressure with high cholesterol. Your child may develop one or both of these illnesses as a result of a bad diet. These variables can contribute to plaque development in the arteries, causing them to constrict and stiffen, perhaps leading to a heart attack or stroke later in life.
Joint discomfort. Extra weight puts additional strain on the hips and knees. Childhood obesity can result in hip, knee, and back pain, as well as injuries.
Breathing difficulties. Children who are overweight are more likely to get asthma. These youngsters are also more prone to develop obstructive sleep apnea, a potentially fatal disorder in which a child’s breathing stops and starts frequently throughout sleep.
NAFLD (nonalcoholic fatty liver disease). This condition causes fatty deposits to accumulate in the liver and normally has no symptoms. Scarring and liver damage can result from NAFLD.
Complications on social and emotional levels -
Obese children may face mocking or bullying from their peers. This can lead to a decrease in self-esteem as well as an increased risk of sadness and anxiety.
Preventing and Treating Childhood Obesity
Preventing childhood obesity is critical since it is easier to prevent than treat. Here are some suggestions for preventing childhood obesity:
Encourage Healthy Eating Habits: Parents should encourage their children to consume a balanced diet that is high in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains and low in processed foods and sugary drinks.
Encourage Physical Activity: Children should be encouraged to engage in physical activity for at least one hour daily. This can involve sports, dance, and even walking.
Restrict Screen Time: Children should be encouraged to restrict their screen time because sedentary activities such as watching TV or playing video games can contribute to weight gain.
Seek Professional aid: If a child is already overweight or obese, it is critical to seek professional aid. A healthcare expert can advise you on maintaining a healthy weight and avoiding long-term health issues
When should you see a doctor?
If you are concerned that your kid is gaining too much weight, consult with Bariatric Surgeonr. The doctor will take into account your child’s growth and development history, your family’s weight-for-height history, and where your child falls on the growth charts. This can assist in determining whether your child’s weight is within an unhealthy range.
Also, make sure your child has a checkup at least once a year. The doctor measures your child’s height and weight and estimates his or her BMI during this visit. A big increase in your child’s BMI percentile rank over a year could indicate that he or she is at risk of becoming overweight.
