For someone to be considered obese, they would have to have acquired excessive amounts of body fat. Boys are said to be obese if they have a total body weight with more than 25 percent fat. For girls, they are said to be obese when that figure is over 32 percent of their total body weight.
Once a child is over two-years old, body mass index (BMI) is used for determining obesity. Childhood obesity refers to when a child is affected by excess body fat. Childhood obesity is a growing problem in the US and many other countries worldwide. It not only poses the risk of serious health problems, but have social and psychological implications as well.
The Causes of Childhood Obesity
While obese children do not necessarily become obese adults, many will carry their unhealthy eating and lifestyle habits into adulthood. As such it pays to be aware of the factors which could lead to excess weight. These include:
Lack of physical activity: Many children now spend most of their time indoors rather than playing outside. Instead of activities such as baseball that calls for physical activity they watch TV or play videogames.
Poor diet: Whether through circumstances or lack of information, some parents give their children unhealthy foods such as burgers.
Genetics: Some children are predisposed to gaining weight, however this too can be overcome or controlled with proper nutrition and lifestyle habits such as exercising.
Family influence: Children with two obese parents are more likely to become obese. These children are more inclined to develop their parents’ poor eating habits and sedentary lifestyle.
Depression or low self esteem: Children with these problems often have a tendency to comfort themselves with food.
The Effects of Childhood Obesity
Children can develop a number of life threatening conditions from being overweight. These include:
The condition can also impact children in other ways such as:
- Depression
- Eating disorders
- Discrimination
- Teasing or bullying
Dealing with Childhood Obesity
Dealing with childhood obesity is not a difficult matter. It does however require discipline and consistency on the part of parents or guardians. There are a number of ways to treat the condition such as:
Proper diet: This is the main way to prevent this condition or to help obese children lose weight.
Increased physical activity: Encouraging children to play more can help to ward off obesity and help them shed pounds. Going for regular walks is another good idea. Parents can encourage increase physical activity by joining in some of these activities such as walking as a family.
Increased social interaction: Encourage children to join groups where they can make new friends and develop new interests.
Many experts agree that childhood obesity is easier to prevent than to treat. That is why encouraging healthy eating habits from early is of such importance. Paediatricians can make dietary recommendations for helping a child to shed excess weight and eat right. Remember, dealing with childhood obesity can help prevent a lifetime of health problems.
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September 30th, 2009 at 7:22 am
People can take action to combat childhood obesity. The problem will not be resolved unless parents get involved. Parents need to take responsibility and teach their children about nutrition, exercise and how to eat right. They can also lead by example by taking charge of their own health.
Thank you for sharing information about this important issue.