Few things are more adorable as a parent than a full-chested baby or chubby toddler. However, for some children, the adorable baby fat can become a health problem.
Today, almost one in four children and teenagers in developed countries is overweight or obese. Children who are overweight or obese run the risk of developing heart disease, diabetes, and asthma. The emotional impact of childhood obesity is also significant. Children who are overweight often have difficulty keeping up with their peers and participating in activities and sports.
Children may be teased and excluded by their peers, which can lead to low self-esteem and a negative body image. If you want to make a prediction about the future height of a child, then try the height calculator. This free future height calculator will help you to predict the height of a kid.
Childhood obesity
It’s simple for parents to feel vulnerable or overpowered when their youngster battles with weight. There are many things you can do for your child. Early diagnosis of obesity and weight problems can help reduce the risk of your child developing serious health conditions later in life.
You can help your family break the cycle of obesity and weight problems by getting everyone involved. This will improve your child’s mental and physical health and establish a healthy relationship with food that will last a lifetime. No matter what your child’s weight is, let them know you love them and want to help them become happy and healthy.
Is your child overweight?
Because children grow at different rates, it can be difficult to determine if a child has excess weight. To determine how much body fat a child is carrying, the Body Mass Index (BMI), uses measurements of height and weight. Although BMI is a reliable indicator of body fat, it can be misleading when children experience rapid growth.
Your doctor might need to do further screenings and assessments if your child has a high BMI for their age.
Children’s obesity and weight problems
It is important to understand how overweight children are born. Childhood obesity is most often caused by excessive eating and insufficient exercise. The healthy growth and development of children require adequate food. However, if they consume more calories than they burn during the day, this can lead to weight gain.
Children may experience weight problems due to:
- Busy families cook for the homeless and eat out more.
- Access to high-calorie, cheap fast food and junk food is easy.
- Both at home and in restaurants, larger portions of food are available.
- Children consume a lot of sugar in sweetened beverages and are hidden in a variety of foods.
- Children spend less time outside and more time sitting in front of the TV or playing video games.
- Many schools have reduced or eliminated their physical education programs.
Some Myths and facts
Myth 1: Childhood obesity can be genetic so there is nothing you can do.
Fact: Although genes can have an impact on weight, this is only a small part. Some children are more likely to gain weight than others. However, this doesn’t necessarily mean that they will be destined for weight problems. If they exercise and eat well, most children can maintain a healthy weight.
Myth 2: Obese or overweight children should be on a diet.
Fact: Childhood obesity treatment is not weight loss unless directed otherwise by your child’s physician. Your child should aim to stop or slow down weight gain so that they can reach their ideal weight.
Myth 3: It’s only baby fat. Children will outgrow their weight.
Fact: Although childhood obesity does not always result in obesity, later on, it can increase the risk significantly. Most children who were overweight in preschool and elementary school are still overweight when they reach their teens. The problem is not something that children can overcome.
