What You Need to Know About Childhood Obesity

As a parent, all you want for your child is the best. When you hear that childhood obesity is rising, it can be scary, but knowing how to keep your child healthy gives you power.

This article will tell you what childhood obesity is, why it is a problem, and what you can do to stop it. With this information, you can better decide about your child's health and well-being.

What is Childhood Obesity?

Childhood obesity is a medical condition that occurs when your child or adolescent is significantly overweight for their age and height, to the point where it can negatively impact their health. 

It is usually easy to identify obese children and adolescents by their Body Mass Index (BMI) above the 95th percentile for their gender and age. This is a growing issue worldwide and can lead to various health problems, which we will discuss in this article. 

To avoid child obesity, you must be aware of the risks and promote a healthy lifestyle for your child.

Causes of Childhood Obesity

It is beneficial to learn that childhood obesity is a complex issue, and no single factor can be solely responsible for your child's weight gain. Instead, it's typically a combination of several factors that contribute to the development of obesity in children. 

1. Genetics 

One cause of childhood obesity is due to genetic factors. Your child has inherited genes that make it easy for their body to gain weight. 

Also, the mutations in the melanocortin-4 receptor (MC4R) gene, which controls appetite and energy consumption, increase the risk of obesity.

Further, other genes can affect, as follows:

• How the body processes and stores fat
• How the brain responds to hunger signals
• How efficiently the body burns calories

2. Unhealthy Diet

Consuming a diet high in calories, fat, and sugar can lead to excess weight gain. Children with a diet high with the following are likely to become obese.

• Fast food
• Processed snacks
• Sugary drinks 

Today's world heavily influences your children's habits and perceptions. TV ads promoting unhealthy food and eating habits play a major role. 

Moreover, inadequate consumption of fruits, vegetables, and milk are all symptoms of poor eating practices.

3. Sleep Deprivation

Childhood obesity risk factors can include lack of sleep. When your child doesn't get enough sleep, their risk of becoming overweight or obese increases. Lack of sleep can cause hormonal changes similar to those seen in adults, leading to weight gain. Insufficient sleep can also cause your child daytime fatigue, reducing activity levels.

4. Community and Socioeconomics

Obesity risk depends on where your child lives. School and daycare food and drinks affect your child's diet. They also help your child exercise daily. Other socioeconomic causes of childhood obesity include

• The price and availability of wholesome food choices.
• Your social support structure or network.
• Lack of community parks, recreational facilities, or other safe spots to exercise.

5. Lack of Physical Activity

Childhood obesity prevention could have been incorporating physical activity into your child's lifestyle. Children who don't exercise regularly are at a greater risk of gaining weight. 

This is because they don't burn as many calories as they consume. Additionally, spending too much time engaging in sedentary activities like watching TV or playing video games can contribute to the problem.

Encouraging your child to be more physically active can help them maintain a healthy weight. You can encourage them to play outside, participate in sports, or engage in other activities they enjoy. Limiting their time in front of screens can also enable more physical activity.

What Are the Risks of Childhood Obesity?

Childhood obesity symptoms can pose risks. So, it's important to address your child's obesity early to lessen these complications and promote overall health and well-being. Some of the dangers of childhood obesity complications are

• Type 2 Diabetes: Among the effects of childhood obesity is Type 2 Diabetes. Type 2 diabetes can cause health problems like kidney failure and blindness.
• High Blood Pressure: Obesity can cause high blood pressure, increasing the risk of heart disease and stroke.
• Breathing Problems: Children who are obese will experience breathing problems such as sleep apnea and asthma.
• Joint Problems: Excess weight can seriously impact the joints, causing pain and making it difficult for your child to move comfortably.
• Fatty Liver Disease: Obesity can cause your child's liver to accumulate fat, leading to non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). This causes liver inflammation and even liver failure.
• Psychological and Social Problems: Children who are obese can experience low self-esteem and social isolation.

How to Treat Childhood Obesity?

Parental involvement is essential when treating obesity in children and adolescents. You can help your child with the following:

1. Taking Diet Therapy

When your child receives obesity treatment such as diet therapy, it's important to consult a nutritionist specializing in children's needs. They can help your child understand healthy eating habits and how to incorporate them into their long-term diet.

It's a great way to support your child's health and well-being and ensure they have the tools and knowledge to make healthy choices.

2. Exercising

The inactivity of children leads to sedentary adulthood, so it is important to have an active childhood. With exercise, nonfat body mass increases weight loss. Children should exercise 60 minutes a day. Non-compliant kids and teens can enroll in individualized programs.

3. Changing Lifestyle Habits

It is important to establish new routines, such as promoting healthy lifestyles. Parents and children must stay informed and committed to this change.

Children and adolescents can improve their health by 

• Changing their diet
• Learning about their bodies
• Joining a support group or extracurricular activity
• Making realistic weight management goals

4. Choosing Surgery

You can consider weight-loss surgery as an option for your adolescent child who has severe obesity and has been unable to lose weight through lifestyle changes. 

However, there are risks and long-term complications, as with any form of surgery. Discuss the benefits and drawbacks with your child's doctor.

*There is not enough research yet on how weight loss surgery may help or harm teens.

Choose the Experts to Help With Your Child's Weight

Looking for a "childhood obesity doctor" or "pediatrics near me" will direct you to AllMed Medical Center.

We know every child is different and needs a unique treatment plan to maintain a healthy weight. Our team of experienced healthcare professionals is here to help your child live a healthy, active life.

Please call our hotline at 1-8333-255-6332 to set up a meeting today. You can also choose the location you want to visit with this link.