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Sunday, 10 August 2008 |
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Do parents know the right time to be concerned about their child’s weight? Evidently almost all the children gain weight as they grow up. But extra weight that is more than what is required by the body to support the growth and development can certainly lead to child obesity. Child obesity is a serious medical problem nowadays which is affecting adolescents and children alike. Child obesity takes place when a child is very much above the normal weight required by the body at that particular height and age. Child obesity is specifically a troublesome medical abnormality because the extra kilos usually lead the kids on the path of health problems which are only confined to adults like the diabetes, high cholesterol and the high blood pressure. One of the best methods to control extra weight in children is to improve the exercise levels and diet of the entire family. This will surely help in protecting the health of children in their present and future. Causes of Child Obesity: Although there are a number of hormonal and genetic causes which lead to child obesity, but extra kilos are also gained if children eat more than they should and exercise less than they should. Children dissimilar to adults require extra calories and nutrients to fuel their development and growth. Hence if children consume the calories required by them for daily metabolism, activities and growth they gain weight which is in proportion of their growth. But over eating habits in children leads to the accumulation of unnecessary fats in the body of children. Far from common than lifestyle problems are hormonal disorders and genetic diseases that can easily pre-dispose a child towards obesity. The genetic diseases such as Cushing’s syndrome and Prader-Willi syndrome affect a very meager number of children. In common population the exercising and eating habits play a much larger role.
Some Risk factors of Child Obesity: There are numerous factors which work in combination enlarging the possibilities of children turning obese. Diet: If high calorie foods such as baked foods, fast foods and snacks from vending machines are consumed on a regular basis than it will sure enlarge the possibility of children turning obese. Therefore high fat foods should be avoided because they are rich in calories. Daily consumption of candies, desserts and soft drinks also leads to weight gain because such foods and beverages are high on sugar content and calories. Inactivity: Sedentary children are more prone to be affected by child obesity because they do not burn their calories by any physical activity. Genetics: If the child belongs to a family which has any history of diseases like diabetes or obesity than the child is likely to be affected by it. Psychological Factors: Some children tend to over eat in order to deal with emotional breakdowns such as stress or boredom. It even flashes light to the fact that their parents would be having similar tendencies. Family Factors: Many children do not indulge in the groceries shopping for their households and parents tend to leave the stuff like sweets and fatty foods unattended which results in children consuming such foods without any routine thus increasing the chances of becoming obese. |
