Child Obesity Problem And Solution

Child obesity is one of the most grave health challenges this century has faced. Obesity is having excess amount of body fat and being overweight. Overweight and obese children are likely to stay obese into adulthood and more likely to develop non communicable diseases like diabetes and cardiovascular diseases at a younger age. Moreover obesity problem in childhood can also affect a child mentally, increasing depression in him or her.

The factors causing of child obesity are:

Problems during pregnancy: if the mother is overweight during pregnancy then this may cause the child also to gain excess weight prenatally and hence will suffer from obesity. Even high sugar levels during pregnancy may trigger obesity in offspring.

Genetic factors: A child with an obese parent, brother, or sister is more likely to become obese. Genetics alone does not cause obesity. Obesity will occur only when a child eats more calories than he or she uses.

Dietary habits: Children's dietary habits have shifted away from healthy foods (such as fruits, vegetables, and whole grains) to a much greater reliance on fast food, processed snack foods, and sugary drinks. Patterns associated with obesity are eating when not hungry and eating while watching TV or doing homework.

Socioeconomic status: Low family incomes and having nonworking parents are associated with greater calorie intake for activity level.

Physical inactivity: not taking part in physical activity at school and the popularity of television, computers, and video games translates into an increasingly sedentary (inactive) lifestyle for many children, making them obese. Even Parents' busy schedules and fears about safety prevent many children from taking part in after-school sports programs.

Certain medical conditions can cause obesity, but these are very rare. They include hormone or other chemical imbalances and inherited disorders of metabolism.

Certain medications can cause weight gain by altering how the body processes food or stores fat.

Many treatments are available to control obesity. Parents may even opt for weight loss program, after taking advice of pediatrician. Make sure you involve the whole family in healthy habits so your child doesn't feel singled out. You can encourage healthy eating by serving more fruits and vegetables and buying fewer sodas and high-calorie, high-fat snack foods.

Try to indulge in physical activity, as it will promote your child to take interest in it too. At least one hour of physical activity daily is required for keeping your child healthy.

But in doing so, don't your child's feeling. Your child's feelings about himself or herself are at least partly determined by your feelings. Let your child know that you love and accept him or her at any weight.

Encourage

Don't criticize

Be sensitive to the child's concerns about appearance and social relationships.

If you'll force him to lose weight, then he or she may become ashamed of themselves. This is when depression crept in, making problem even worse. Depression can even lower down your child's confidence level and he or she may feel uncomfortable while going out in public. Give your full love and support to your child. Don't force anything upon them.

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