Child Obesity

Obesity is a medical condition in which excess body fat gets accumulated. Childhood obesity is already epidemic in some areas and on the rise in others. According to WHO obesity statistics, an estimated 22 million children under five are estimated to be overweight worldwide In the last three years, obesity among schoolchildren has increased from 9.8% to 11.7%. What’s more, the prevalence of obesity in private schools has shot up from 11.6% to 17%.

Obesity may have an adverse effect on health, leading to reduced life expectancy and even increased health problems. Body mass index (BMI), is a statistical measurement derived from your height and weight. Although it is considered to be a useful way to estimate healthy body weight, it does not measure the percentage of body fat

According to Doctors, about 70% to 80% of these schoolchildren are likely to remain obese until they are adults. There are even chances that these children may get diabetes in their late 20s or 30s only. Researchers said the tendency to eat out and consume junk food like burgers, French fries, pizza and the colas was seen among both government school and private school students

Causes of obesity in children:

· Increased consumption of more energy-dense, nutrient-poor foods with high levels of sugar and saturated fats
· Leading a sedentary lifestyle.
· Not sleeping enough.
· Endocrine disruptors, such as some foods that interfere with lipid metabolism.
· Lower rates of smoking (smoking suppresses appetite).
· Medications that make patients put on weight.

Obese health risks

· Bone and cartilage degeneration
· Coronary heart disease
· Gallbladder disease
· High blood pressure
· High total cholesterol, high levels of triglycerides
· Respiratory problems
· Several cancers
· Sleep apnea
· Stroke
Type 2 diabetes

Preventing obesity in children:

• Teach your kids how to eat healthy food and let them help plan their interested meals
• Put colorful food on the table and make them them select their interested foods to be cooked.
• Put colorful fruits on the dinning table and make them eat. Fruits are healthy and nutritious. Some fruits even help in burning excess fat.
• Eating together and making children know nutrition facts of what they eat.
• Packing food at home for their lunch, so that their children doesn’t have any need to eat outside food.
• Encourage playing sports with friends and in school and don’t allow your child to watch too much TV or play video games for hours. They need to do activities that require physical effort, that will increase their metabolism and have a healthier lifestyle..
• Cook healthy food at home instead of buying fast food at stores.
• Educate children about the calorie values in junk food and make them to avoid these foods. Instead let them drink fruit juices.