Childhood obesity and healthy eating for children

Obesity has become a health issue worldwide. It has been rapidly increasing across the globe at an alarming rate. This has been a point of concern in all types of sexes and all age ranges especially the increasing trend of Childhood obesity and its subsequent effects on life.

How is obesity explained?

Excessive body fat disorders that increase the risk of various health issues are described as obesity. It is not only the personality disorder it is more than that. It is a medical issue rather it is a serious medical issue that should be taken care of.

Child obesity- the medical epidemic of the generation

Child obesity is a situation of a child being overweight for his or her age and height measurements. It is the situation of the child having BMI or body mass index of 95th percentile or above on CDC (centers for disease control and Prevention’s specific growth rates).

Child obesity is not a healthy situation and is a serious problem for both parents and the child. There are various problems that a child might experience due to obesity. Some of them are:

•    Blood pressure issues
•    High cholesterol issues
•    Asthma
•    Sleep apnea
•    Breathing issues
•    Diabetes
•    Heart issues
•    Gallbladder disease
•    Strokes
•    Low quality of life
•    Physical issues

What are the factors responsible for child obesity?

Here are a few of them:

•    An unhealthy diet or not opting for healthy eating habits- children are indulged in many types of unhealthy eating habits like:

- high-calorie foods
- snacks
- fast foods
- baked items
- candy
- desserts
- sugary drinks

•    Lack of physical activities- smartphones and gadgets have made children couch potatoes. They don’t indulge themselves in outdoor activities and other sports activities; also they also don’t find interest in exercising regularly. This has led to weight gain in many children.

•    Heredity- Heredity also plays an important role and is among the major reasons for child obesity. If your family is overweight and everyone carries the same trait there is a high probability that your child might carry the same issue.

Apart from these, there are various more factors that are responsible for child obesity. Those are:

•    Psychological factors
•    Socioeconomic factors
•    Medications

Importance of healthy eating

Healthy eating and a diet full of nutrition hold a lot of importance in maintaining a healthy lifestyle. It contributes to a child’s healthy physical and mental growth. It will help them in staying away from many chronic diseases.

Healthy eating also contributes to the psychological and social development of the child. Various benefits of healthy eating are:

•    Prevention from various health issues
•    Energy in the body
•    Strong immunity
•    Strong bones
•    Healthy skin and muscles
•    Good eyesight
•    Brain development
•    Healthy digestion

Healthy eating also contributes to weight management.

Physical activity- A gateway to a healthy life

Physical activities are very important to live a healthy and fit life. It helps in overcoming the problem of obesity and also helps in losing those extra kilos. Some of the physical activities that you can include in your daily life are:

•    Walking
•    Cycling
•    Playing sports
•    Dancing
•    Aerobics
•    Recreation activities

When it comes to children it is very important for them to be physically active. It is important to introduce toddlers to floor-based play activities so that they can have strong muscles and bones.

Children should be motivated to get involved in some moderate physical activities each day to keep themselves healthy and fit.

Family should also take an active part in some fun sports activities so as to motivate their children and also in maintaining family health. Family health also plays in the overall development of the child. Family is supposed to be the nearest atmosphere of the child and a child tends to inherit the family traits. So if parents are motivated to keep themselves fit and healthy, their children will also learn the same.

A family with a healthy lifestyle motivates the child to stay healthy. Some of the benefits are:

•    It keeps you fit
•    It keeps you energetic
•    It helps in reducing the risk of diseases
•    Boosting mental health
•    Helps in maintaining disciplined life
•    Helps in sleeping better

A healthy lifestyle also contributes to maintaining childhood health.

Child obesity has been a concern and is projected to be very high in India. Around 25% of the urban children population is dealing with the issue of child obesity in India.

In America, every 1 out of 5 children is dealing with child obesity issues and the number of medical cases in children has also increased.

How to prevent childhood obesity?

Preventing childhood obesity requires a multi-faceted approach that involves parents, caregivers, healthcare professionals, and the broader community. Parents and caregivers can play a critical role in promoting healthy eating habits and physical activity in their children. This can include providing healthy food options at home, limiting sugary drinks and snacks, and encouraging their children to engage in regular physical activity.

Role of healthcare professionals in promoting child health

Healthcare professionals can also play an important role in preventing childhood obesity and promoting child health by providing counseling and support to families. This can include helping families understand the importance of healthy eating and physical activity, as well as providing resources and referrals to community programs that can support healthy lifestyles.

Role of community in preventing child obesity

The broader community also has a role to play in preventing childhood obesity. This can involve promoting access to healthy food options and opportunities for physical activity, such as safe walking and biking paths, parks, and community centers. Schools can also play a role in promoting healthy lifestyles by providing healthy food options in the cafeteria and promoting physical activity during the school day.

Conclusion

Childhood obesity is a serious public health issue that requires a multi-faceted approach to prevention. Parents, caregivers, healthcare professionals, and the broader community all have a role to play in promoting healthy eating habits and physical activity in children. By working together, we can help to prevent childhood obesity and ensure that all children can live and enjoy a healthy life.

Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for general informational purposes only. It is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. For any concerns about your health or you are experiencing symptoms, it is important to consult with a healthcare professional. They will be able to assess your specific situation and provide you with personalised advice and treatment based on your symptoms, body type, allergies (if any), existing medical conditions etc. It is always better to consult with a healthcare professional before making any decisions about your health. By accessing this article you agree with our terms and condition - https://proceed.fit/frontend/terms_conditions .