Over time, obesity has become a global health concern, affecting over 100 crore people, including 65 crore adults, 34 crore adolescents, and 3.9 crore children, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). Every year, more than 40 lakh people around the world die as a result of being overweight or obese, as per the global health body.
As parents, the above-mentioned data can be overwhelming. But our goal is not to alarm you but to make you aware of the complications that can arise with obesity. Children are particularly vulnerable, and they need proper guidance and advice. To provide that, parents need to educate themselves about the problem at hand. Speaking with the OnlyMyHealth team, Dr Esha Gupta, Consultant Paediatrician and Consultant Paediatric Intensivist, Motherhood Hospitals, Bengaluru, HRBR Layout, answered the common questions around childhood obesity.
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How To Know If Your Child Is Obese Or Overweight?
According to Dr Gupta, identifying obesity in children is crucial for timely intervention and the prevention of associated health risks. Here’s what parents should keep an eye out for in their children:
Body Mass Index (BMI): BMI charts for children can be used as a reference to assess whether a child falls into a healthy weight range. According to the CDC, overweight refers to a BMI in the 85th to less than the 95th percentile, whereas obesity is defined as a BMI at or above the 95th percentile for children and teens of the same age and sex.
Breathing problems: Obesity in children can lead to difficulty breathing, such as asthma.
Body shape: Any noticeable change in the child’s body shape can be a sign of obesity, said Dr Gupta, adding that the excess fat mostly accumulates around the abdomen.
Joint pain: A joint point at such an early age is unexpected; however, excess weight or obesity can put strain on the joints.
Causes Of Obesity In Children
Many factors can contribute to weight gain and obesity in children.
Dr Gupta said, "Poor dietary choices and excessive consumption of fast food, which is high-calorie and low-nutrient food, can contribute to it."
A sedentary lifestyle, with prolonged hours of screen time and a lack of physical activity, can also be a cause of childhood obesity, the doctor added.
Research has also suggested that genetic background is also important in determining obesity risk.
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Ways To Reduce The Risk Of Obesity In Kids
If left unmanaged and unaddressed, childhood obesity can cause several long-term complications, said Dr Gupta.
These complications include an increased risk of developing chronic conditions, such as type 2 diabetes, asthma, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, heart diseases, fatty liver, and certain cancers, like colon and breast cancer.
Therefore, it is important for parents to take the necessary steps, including:
- Maintaining a good sleep schedule for kids
- Following a healthy diet plan as a family
- Including a variety of vegetables and fruits, whole grains, and low-fat foods
- Helping children watch their portion size
- Increasing physical activity: on average, children need at least 60 minutes of medium- to high-intensity physical activity (aerobic, dance, jumping rope), said Dr Gupta.
- Going on family walks, dancing, biking, or playing outdoor games together
- Limiting screen time
Conclusion
If you notice any signs of obesity in children, including breathing issues, joint pain, and altered body shape, it is important to take the necessary measures. Help your child follow a healthy eating pattern, make them move and exercise more, and also help them maintain a good sleep schedule. In case you have any more concerns or if your child has started to develop other chronic conditions associated with obesity, consult with your doctor for the way ahead.