Childhood obesity and ways to prevent it

Childhood obesity is one of the fastest growing problems lately. Actually, according to the CDC, the number of kids and teens with obesity has more than tripled since the 1970s.

One of the main reasons for kids getting obese might be parents not knowing enough about how to care for their kids' health and what to avoid to prevent obesity.

• Causes of childhood obesity :-

Childhood obesity is a serious health issue that puts kids at risk for big problems like diabetes. It can also cause many mental issues that might lead kids to depression.

Many factors can cause obesity in kids like :-

• Genetic factors.

• Problems related to lifestyle.

• Lack of physical activity.

• Wrong eating habits.

• Eating high-calorie foods, like fast food.

• Not paying attention to the amount of food eaten.

• Bad sleep habits and not getting enough sleep.

• Some health conditions.

• When kids are diagnosed with obesity :-

Body Mass Index (BMI) is the main tool to assess obesity in kids (and adults). It measures body fat based on the child's height and weight ratio.

The pediatrician measures BMI and finds its position on the BMI chart for age and growth.

The CDC states that percentiles correspond to overweight or obesity as follows:

BMI is not always a highly accurate measure of body fat because it doesn't consider factors like body structure and changing growth patterns in kids. So a pediatrician or nutritionist will consider a child's growth, development, and other factors for obesity.

• Obesity treatments for kids:

Obesity treatments for kids depend on several factors including:

• The child's age.

• Health conditions that come with obesity like high cholesterol and diabetes.

Treatment for childhood obesity may include the following:

• Changes in the child’s diet and eating habits.

• Increasing the child’s physical activity level.

• Some obesity treatment medications.

• Surgery (under certain conditions).

• Behavioral counseling.

1. Parents’ treatment:

Some studies published in 2010 in the journal "Obesity" said the gold standard for treating childhood obesity is a program that involves both parents and kids, focusing on:

• Healthy nutrition and food intake.

• Changes in eating habits.

• Changes in physical activity.

• Behavioral support for both the child and parent.

2. Multidisciplinary treatment:

A 2015 study found big changes in BMI after intensive obesity treatment for kids using a multidisciplinary program approach that included:

• Nutritional education.

• Physical activity.

• Group training on behavioral management and physical activity.

• Therapy sessions with a psychiatrist.

• Group outdoor physical activity sessions.

• Review of low-nutrient, high-calorie foods.

3. Medication :-

For some kids, some meds can be prescribed as part of a weight loss plan. Meds are only given in special cases like kids who have obesity with other conditions such as diabetes, or other health issues linked to obesity.

4. Weight loss surgeries :-

Weight loss surgery is an option only for teens, not young kids of course. Like any surgery, it can be risky, but for teens who can’t lose weight by fixing bad eating habits, exercise, and lifestyle, it may help.

So the surgery decision is up to the healthcare specialist. You can also consult a nutritionist and an endocrinologist.

• General tips for parents to prevent kids' obesity :-

When a child or teen is diagnosed with obesity, the health care provider will give advice like following a healthy diet, increasing activity, and losing weight in a healthy way.

There are some guidelines most specialists recommend :-

• Parents should take responsibility for the food the child eats and how it’s cooked.

• Work on a healthy diet that includes fruits, vegetables, meat, healthy fats, and whole grains.

• Cut out saturated fats, trans fats, fast food, and sugars.

• Snacks should be healthy like fresh fruit.

• Avoid eating out.

• Parents should not let kids eat in front of the TV or video games because it causes overeating.

• Parents should control portion sizes and avoid forcing kids to finish all the food on their plate, which many parents do wrong.

• Parents should encourage kids to play outside to increase physical activity.