Childhood and adolescent obesity is becoming an increasing epidemic throughout the world. One of the biggest reasons it is so prevalent in all parts of the globe is the bad habits that children and teens tend to pick up from their parents or other adults around them. This includes bad eating habits and low exercise. With the onset of digital mediums of entertainment as well as academia, the chances for children to sit in front of a screen for more than 8-10 hours a day only exacerbates the problem.

Childhood and teen obesity are defined as children and teens with a body mass index (BMI) equal to or higher than 95 per cent of their peers. BMI is a metric used to assess your “weight status.” Your BMI is computed based on your height and weight. Using your gender and age, your BMI percentile (where your BMI value sits in proportion to others) is calculated.

We utilize BMI-for-age growth charts to assess children’s size and growth trends. A high BMI may indicate a high level of body fat. BMI does not directly measure body fat. However, it notifies us that more testing may be required to determine whether your child has excess fat. BMI percentile cutoffs establish a level at which your child is more likely to develop weight-related health problems.

Obesity is a severe health risk for children. Obese children are more than just overweight; they are at risk for a variety of chronic health issues. Obesity-related health problems can persist throughout maturity. This is why obesity treatment from an obesity specialist doctor is needed.

WHY IS CHILDHOOD OBESITY A PROBLEM?

Obesity among adolescents is twice as much as it was 30 years ago. [1] Although the majority of obesity-related illnesses emerge in maturity, adolescents who are obese are more likely than their peers to develop high blood pressure and type 2 diabetes. Although less than one-third of adults with obesity were fat as teenagers, the majority of obese adolescents become obese adults. Even more worrying is how few of them ever go through obesity treatment.

According to the most current CDC figures, childhood obesity is on the rise. According to recent statistics:

● Obesity affects 13.4% of children aged 2 to 5.

● Obesity affects 20.3% of children aged 6 to 11.

● Obesity affects 21.2% of children aged 12 to 19.

● Obesity affects 19.3% of children.

Physical consequences of childhood obesity include:

● Diabetes Type 2

This chronic disease has an impact on how your child’s body processes sugar (glucose). Obesity and a sedentary lifestyle both raise the chance of developing type 2 diabetes. This necessitates intervention and obesity treatment.

● High blood pressure with high cholesterol

Your child may acquire one or both of these illnesses as a result of a bad diet. These variables can contribute to plaque development in the arteries, causing them to constrict and stiffen, perhaps leading to a heart attack or stroke later in life. Obesity specialists are you best bet in this scenario.

● Joint discomfort

Extra weight puts additional strain on the hips and knees. Childhood obesity can result in hip, knee, and back discomfort, as well as injuries.

● Breathing difficulties

Children who are overweight are more likely to get asthma. These youngsters are also more prone to develop obstructive sleep apnea, a potentially fatal disease in which a child’s breathing stops and begins frequently throughout sleep.

● Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD)

This condition causes fatty deposits to accumulate in the liver and normally has no symptoms. Scarring and liver damage can result from NAFLD.

Childhood obesity has ramifications beyond physical health. The quicker an obesity treatment is done, by obesity doctors and obesity specialists, the sooner relief and damage control can begin in earnest. Children and adolescents who are overweight or obese may experience bullying, self-isolation and depression and have a negative self-image and self-esteem.

CAUSES AND RISK FACTORS

To understand how to prevent childhood and adolescent obesity we have to dive into the factors that influence obesity among adolescents.

Obesity can be caused by hormonal imbalances such as an underactive thyroid gland (hypothyroidism) or an overactive adrenal gland (hyperthyroidism). Adolescents who acquire weight due to hormonal abnormalities are frequently short and exhibit other symptoms of the underlying condition. Any teenager with obesity who is short and has high blood pressure should be checked for Cushing Syndrome, a hormonal condition. Because genetics play a role, some people are more likely to be obese than others, and obesity may be more frequent among members of the same family.

Childhood obesity is a complex condition with several contributing causes. It’s not a result of laziness or a lack of willpower. For growth and development, your child needs a particular number of calories. When people consume more calories than they burn, their bodies retain the excess calories as fat. Children acquire weight for the same reasons as adults do. Many variables, generally in tandem, enhance your child’s chance of being overweight:

● Diet

Eating high-calorie items regularly, such as fast food, baked goods, and vending machine snacks might lead your child to acquire weight. Candy and pastries can also contribute to weight gain, and there is mounting evidence that sugary beverages, especially fruit juices and sports drinks, are contributing factors to obesity in certain people.

● Lack of physical activity

Children who do not exercise regularly are more prone to acquire weight because they do not burn as many calories as those who do. Sedentary activities, such as watching television or playing video games, also add to the condition. TV shows frequently incorporate advertisements for harmful meals.

● Family

If your child comes from an overweight household, he or she is more likely to gain weight. This is especially true in a culture where high-calorie meals are readily available and physical activity is discouraged.

● Psychological aspects

Personal, parental, and family stress can all enhance a child’s chances of being obese. Some youngsters overeat to deal with difficulties or emotions, such as stress, or to avoid boredom. Their parents may have similar traits.

● Socioeconomic status

Some residents have limited resources and access to stores. As a result, individuals may choose nonperishable convenience items such as frozen dinners, crackers, and cookies. People who reside in low-income areas may also lack access to a safe environment to exercise.

● Medicines

Some pharmaceutical medicines might raise your chances of becoming obese. Prednisone, lithium, amitriptyline, paroxetine (Paxil), gabapentin (Neurontin, Gralise, Horizant), and propranolol are among them (Inderal, Hemangeol).

PREVENTION

The most essential thing you can do to help your child is to concentrate on their health rather than their weight. It is critical that you set your child on their path to greater health. Your sentiments towards your child are frequently dependent on your feelings about them. Accepting your child at whatever weight will make them feel better about themselves. Avoid blaming your child, yourself, or others.

It’s also critical to have a nonjudgmental conversation with your child regarding their weight. Allow your youngster to express their concerns to you. You may aid your youngster by gradually improving the physical activity and food habits of your entire family. As a result, your entire family will benefit from new healthy practices.

You may help your child avoid gaining too much weight by doing the following:

● Lead by example.

Parents can influence childhood obesity by adopting healthy practices. Your youngster mimics your actions. They are more inclined to modify their behaviours if they witness you eating well and exercising. Make regular physical exercise and a good diet a family affair. No one will feel singled out, and everyone will gain.

● Have healthful snacks on hand.

Air-popped popcorn without butter, fruits with low-fat yoghurt, baby carrots with hummus, or whole-grain cereal with low-fat milk are all options.

● Offer new dishes several times.

Don’t be disheartened if your youngster does not like a new cuisine right away. It normally takes several exposures to a food before it is accepted.

● Select nonfood incentives.

It’s a poor idea to promise candy in exchange for good conduct.

● Make certain that your youngster receives adequate sleep.

According to research, a lack of sleep may raise the risk of obesity. Sleep deprivation might result in hormonal abnormalities that enhance hunger. Children aged 6 to 12 require nine to twelve hours of sleep every night. Adolescents between the ages of 13 and 18 need eight to ten hours of sleep every night.

● Reduce Your Screen Time

Limit your screen time as well. Overweight children are likelier to spend many hours a day watching television, playing computer games, or using cell phones or other electronics. According to Harvard School of Public Health research, the cause for this might be twofold. For starters, screen time consumes time that could otherwise be spent engaging in physical activity. Second, more time spent in front of the television implies more time for snacking and more exposure to advertisements for the high-sugar, high-fat meals that dominate most food marketing.

● Regular checkups.

Also, make sure your child has a well-child checkup at least once a year. The doctor measures your child’s height and weight and estimates his or her BMI during this visit. A big increase in your child’s BMI percentile rank over a year might indicate that he or she is in danger of becoming overweight.

Childhood obesity is a major problem. Children, on the other hand, may learn better methods to deal with difficulties, make meals, and keep active with adequate guidance and assistance. This help must come from people in their life, such as parents, teachers, and other caregivers. Prepare nutritious foods for your children and encourage them to get lots of exercises to help them remain healthier for longer.

If you feel like your child is overweight, please bring them over to Ansh Obecure and get a proper assessment. This is not a fight you should choose to fight alone as it can bring harm not just to you but also them. Let our experts decide if they need special obesity care or if a regimen can help them. Remember, we are always there for you. With us, you are in safe hands.