With photos of chubby children circulating all over the Internet, parents and non-parents alike are mesmerised by the overabundance of cuteness. Their rolled-up skin and tight pyjamas can make us adults smile from ear to ear.
This situation is amplified when many parents are left to fend for themselves. Some are even reassured by the elderlies that it doesn’t matter how much their babies weigh now because they will grow out of it sooner or later.
However, the rise in overweight/obese children is alarming for health professionals. Many of us are unaware that childhood obesity is not a laughing matter. Obesity in children is a complex disease with far-reaching consequences.
The World Health Organization reported in 2021 that worldwide obesity had nearly tripled since 1975, with 39 million obese children spread across developed and developing countries. At this rate, we as parents should take the first step in preventing childhood obesity.
How to Know If Your Child Is Overweight
It is difficult to tell if your child is overweight because they grow at different rates and stages. The amount of body fat in a child change with age and differs between boys and girls.
As a result, parents should rely on a more scientific method of measuring their children’s weight, known as BMI. BMI, or Body Mass Index, is a calculation of body weight to height.
Check in with the doctor regularly to see if your child’s weight is increasing at a normal rate. At the same time, find out how it compares to his or her BMI.
If your doctor suggests that your child may be overweight, it’s a good idea to understand what causes obesity.
Obesity in children is caused by several factors that, when combined, increase your child’s risk of becoming overweight. These factors include:
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Food options: Eating high-calorie foods regularly, such as fast food, baked goods, processed foods, and vending machine snacks, can cause your child to gain weight. Candy and desserts can also contribute to weight gain, and there is mounting evidence that sugary drinks, such as fruit juices and sports drinks, are contributing factors to obesity in some people.
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Not enough movements: Children who do not engage in regular physical activity are more likely to gain weight because they do not burn as many calories. Too much sitting, such as watching television or playing video games, contributes to the problem. TV shows frequently include advertisements for unhealthy foods.
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Genetics: Your child may be more likely to gain weight if he or she comes from a family of overweight people. This is especially true in a setting where high-calorie foods are readily available and physical activity is discouraged.
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Environmental factors: Personal, parental, and family stress can all contribute to a child's obesity risk. Some children overeat to deal with problems or emotions such as stress or to avoid boredom. Their parents' tendencies may be similar.
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Socioeconomic aspects: People in some communities have limited resources and access to supermarkets. As a result, they may opt for convenient foods that don't spoil quickly, such as frozen meals, crackers, cookies, or any other processed and less expensive option. Furthermore, people who live in low-income areas may not have access to a safe place to exercise.
Keep Track of Your Children’s Physical Condition
It’s important to see if these factors exist in the lives of your children as obesity is a concerning condition. It can have a negative impact on your children’s health.
Obesity in children can lead to diseases such as high blood pressure and high cholesterol, both of which are risk factors for heart disease, type 2 diabetes, breathing issues such as asthma and sleep apnoea, as well as joint issues such as osteoarthritis and musculoskeletal discomfort.
According to a recent study, childhood obesity has also been linked to:
- Psychological issues such as anxiety and depression.
- Low self-esteem and self-reported low quality of life.
- Social problems like bullying and stigma.
- Obesity as adults, as many obese children are likely to remain obese into adulthood.
If children are accustomed to consuming large amounts of sugar regularly, it may also have an impact on their cognitive development.
It is a terrifying thought to consider that being obese or overweight can cause children to become ill and have a miserable life.
The following are some things you can do to help your kids if they have the condition.
Some Strategies for Helping Overweight Children
A change in lifestyle begins at home, especially for children who are unable to make sound decisions on their own.
Therefore, parents should take the first step to assist their children in resolving this issue.
Here’s what you can do:
- Be a good role model: Make healthy eating and regular physical activity a family affair. Everyone will benefit, and no one will feel singled out. Brainstorm with all family members to gauge their interests as you try out new hobbies from time to time.
- Provide nutritious snacks: Air-popped popcorn without butter, fruits with low-fat yoghurt, baby carrots with hummus, or whole-grain cereal with low-fat milk are just a few of the options.
- Experiment to determine your child’s preferences: Don’t be discouraged if your child does not like a new food right away. It usually takes several exposures to a food before it becomes acceptable.
- Ensure adequate sleep: Some studies indicate that a lack of sleep may increase the risk of obesity. Sleep deprivation can result in hormonal imbalances that increase appetite.
- Seek appropriate support: If you are having difficulty maintaining a healthier lifestyle for yourself and your kids, try to seek assistance from appropriate parties such as health workers or certified dietitians at your local hospital. They may be able to refer you to a child-friendly weight-management programme.
At the end of the day, the goal is for you and your kids to lead a healthy and happy life.
It will take a lot of determination not only from you as a parent, but also from your little ones, who will struggle to make this lifestyle change.
So, take it one step at a time because you’re in it for the long haul, and make sure your kids understand why it’s important.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered as medical advice from Motherhood. For any health-related concerns, it is advisable to consult with a qualified healthcare professional or medical practitioner.
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