Obesity is a serious threat to children's health. Children who are obese are more likely to have multiple chronic health problems that can persist into adulthood.
Childhood obesity not only affects the physical health but often also the mental health of the child. Children who are overweight or obese can lose confidence and even show symptoms of depression.
That is why we as parents also have to maintain the health of children, including by helping children to reach a healthy or ideal weight.
Causes of childhood obesity
Family health history, psychological factors, and lifestyle play a role in the onset of childhood obesity. Children with parents or relatives who are obese are more likely to become like them.
However, the main cause of childhood obesity lies in a combination of overeating and lack of physical activities or exercise. Psychological factors such as stress, boredom, or depression can also encourage children to eat more to cope with negative emotions.
Health conditions that haunt obese children
Children who are obese have a higher risk of developing multiple health problems than their peers who are healthy or ideal weight. Health conditions that could haunt obese children are as follows:
- Diabetes mellitus
Type 2 diabetes is a condition where the body cannot process glucose properly. Diabetes can cause vision problems, nerve damage, and decreased kidney function. Children or adults who are obese are more likely to develop type 2 diabetes. However, this condition can be prevented by lifestyle and dietary changes.
- Heart disease
High blood pressure and high cholesterol increase the risk of heart disease in obese children in the future. Foods high in fat and salt can cause elevated cholesterol and blood pressure. Heart attack and stroke are two examples of diseases that can result from heart disease.
- Sleep disorder
Children and adolescents who are obese may suffer from sleep disorders, such as snoring very loudly or sleep apnea (temporarily stopping breathing during sleep). Fat deposits around the neck could block airflow.
- Joint pain
Children who are obese will also usually experience stiffness in the joints that are also associated with pain. Being overweight can also reduce the range of motion of the joints in the body, preventing the child from moving freely.
Tips for Overcoming Childhood Obesity
Childhood obesity can be overcome by dietary changes and lifestyle changes. Here are some tips for it:
- Increase children's physical activity
Encourage children to exercise to help them lose excess weight safely. Use the term activity instead of exercise to keep them excited about it. You also send your children to a sport they are interested in.
- Reduce children's screen time
Screen time or childhood time in front of a television screen, smartphone, or computer should be limited. This is because children with a lot of screen time become less active and even worsen when it is accompanied by snacking habits.
Childhood obesity can be prevented through good education, proper nutrition, and an active lifestyle. All these things should be accompanied by adult support around the child, be it parents, teachers, or other caregivers. Help maintain children's health by preparing healthy and nutritious foods and encourage children to get more physical.
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