Childhood Obesity and Weight Problems

As a parent, it is obvious to find your child’s chubby cheeks and knees the most adorable thing in the world. But what you do not notice is that when the weight in kids increases a certain limit, it can be a matter of concern. The increase of fats in the body can cause health issues like diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and asthma. Yes, it is proven that one of the four kids in developed countries is suffering from obesity. Obesity is the biggest reason behind both physical and mental health issues in kids and teenagers.

We all know, excess fats in the body can lead to severe diseases in both adults and children. This can also put your child on medication to tackle the disease. Talking about having it affect mental health, overweight can make your child less active compared to other children who are fit. Also, overweight children are many times bullied by other kids. All these factors can lead to depression and low self-esteem issues in kids.

As a parent, you always aim to give your kids the best childhood, and seeing them struggle with these problems can be tough on you as well. But you are not alone, there are many parents who are facing the same issue and want to help their kids to tackle obesity. This is possible if you take part as a family and make important changes in diet and exercise on a daily basis. Also, one of the most crucial motivating factors in the process of tackling obesity is having a positive mindset. Hence, keep motivating your child and let them know they are special to you the way they are.

What is obesity?

Obesity means overweight issues, which is caused by the accumulation of excess fats in the body. It is not the safest or right way to tell whether a kid is obese or not just by looking at his/her physical appearance as each kid grows at different stages. It is best advised to check BMI, which is the kid's body mass index, to find out whether he/she weighs healthy or not.

BMI is calculated based on a person’s weight and height. If the BMI of a child is the same or more than 95% of his/her peers, it indicates obesity. To get a better idea in kids, BMI is further determined by considering age and gender. BMI is a measure that can help you know how much body fat a child has, but it can’t be completely relied upon to know the accurate health status. Hence, you must consult a doctor who will find out the health status of your child, considering all the factors.

What are the causes of obesity?

Understanding the root cause behind obesity is very important to fight the obesity issue. There are various factors that can lead to obesity in children, including psychological factors, eating habits, and family history. If the overweight problem runs in the family, it is often passed on to the next generation. Also, excess eating and almost no exercise will lead to the accumulation of fats.

Diet is the root cause of all weight-related issues, keep a check on foods containing a high level of fats and sugars as they can trigger weight gain. Try including food with more nutrients instead and create a balanced diet chart. Nowadays, kids are more prone to fast food, candies, and aerated soft drinks that cause obesity and adversely affect health.