Obesity in children is not only about extra pounds and low self-esteem but also entails other health problems, such as diabetes, gastrointestinal or cardiovascular diseases. Fortunately, there are solutions.
Most parents tend to ignore the extra pounds that the child has, arguing that this situation disappears with the growth process. However, the reality is quite different: childhood obesity is not a transient situation that resolves independently. It is a medical problem that can permanently affect the functioning of the child's body and lead to the appearance of other ailments. In most cases, an overweight child is an obese future adult with an increased risk of complications. These are the effects of childhood obesity that you need to pay attention to!
Treatment of childhood obesity
Treatment should take place in a clinical setting after careful and appropriate evaluation.
A physical examination and blood tests may show a medical cause. Correction of eating habits is carried out slowly and in small steps. Prescribing weight management programs and providing nutritional advice, A doctor should carry out these or other specific treatments for an obese kid, family doctor, dietitian, or other medical staff with specialized knowledge.
Treatment in Switzerland of children with obesity provides an individual approach to each child and the development of their own treatment and nutrition plan.
What are some of the causes of overweight in children?
01- Nutrition.
Systematic overfeeding in early childhood leads to being overweight, which usually pleases parents, as they consider it an expression of "good health."
Habitual overeating of fatty, sugary, and carb-heavy meals
02- Excessive consumption of sweets, pasta and foods rich in animal fats.
Excessive consumption of sugar causes an increase in blood glucose levels and an increased release of the hormone insulin. The synthesis of fats increases, and their status in the blood rises. Studies have found that babies take up to 25% more food when added sugar. It creates addiction and a constant preference for sweet foods, a prerequisite for systematic overeating.
Increased fat intake is also a condition of malnutrition and obesity in children. Fats provide energy but lead to the child's satiety and the rejection of vegetables, cereals, and other foods that offer more vitamins, minerals, and dietary fiber that protect against chronic diseases later in life.
03- Excessive consumption of table salt.
Eating salty foods leads to sodium and water retention in the tissues and predisposes to slowing down the body's metabolism: increased creatinine and increased blood pressure in older people.
Lack of sufficient movement.
The change in the standard of living of children is alarming. Most of the time, they spend in front of the TV, video, or computer. There are no outdoor games, walks, or sports. Students increasingly do not consider it necessary to attend physical education classes.
Imitation leads to destructive behavior.
Television ad campaigns for high-calorie, sugar-rich "magic" desserts and drinks significantly impact children's unhealthy eating habits.
What are the health implications?
Childhood obesity has negative psychosocial consequences, such as low self-esteem and self-esteem, and lack of peer recognition. Obese children are also at increased risk as adults:
disability,
with cardiovascular disease,
endocrine disorders - for example, insulin resistance, type II diabetes, polycystic ovary syndrome,
health problems associated with the musculoskeletal system, including osteoarthritis, back pain, scoliosis, flat feet,
lipid metabolism disorders - increased levels of triglycerides, LDL, and total cholesterol,
some types of cancer
bronchial asthma,
non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.
A higher body mass index raises one's chances of contracting various illnesses.
How to prevent childhood obesity?
To avoid childhood obesity and the fact that a child becomes an overweight adult, parents have a responsibility to help their children get enough healthy food n the womb. Developing a healthy eating routine is possible.
Extend into the first years of life, and persist throughout its growth. With the proper introduction of complementary foods at six months, the child should be offered and accepted a variety and quantity of nutritious foods over the years and encouragement for physical activity. Here are the main ways to
prevent childhood obesity:
avoid foods without nutritional support, such as sugar, beforehand;
encourage physical exercise from an early age so that it is enjoyable;
encourage healthy habits at the table without the use of electronics;
respect the satiety of the child;
encourage longer time for eating;
avoid excess fluid during meals, especially without nutritional support;
avoid excessive consumption of fried foods, high-calorie drinks, processed foods, and more.
Similarly, growth control consultations and routine checkups help prevent childhood obesity and various other diseases. In care, starting from the prenatal period, The youngster needs to have their progress tracked.
From now on, planned consultations should be present in the lives of children every year. During these consultations, pediatricians can monitor a child's BMI, requesting necessary tests to detect these disorders and diseases, such as childhood obesity, to help with appropriate diagnoses and treatment.
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