Child Obesity- What you do today can improve your tomorrows.

Overview

Childhood obesity is a serious medical condition that affects children and adolescents nowadays. Children who are obese are above the normal weight for their age and height and are at higher risk of developing a range of health problems such as heart disease and diabetes.

Children nowadays have become a picky eater. No matter what meals you prepare, and how you prepare, your picky eater will often refuse to eat what is on their plate. These children have a select few dishes that they are willing to eat. Parents have different views about picky eaters. There are some parents who believe that children are picky eaters because they are spoiled and others believe that when a child is a picky eater that they are just going through a phase. According to research picky eating could be linked to child obesity. Whatever the reason your child is picky with what they eat, it can not only be frustrating, it can also cause you to worry that your child isn't getting the nutrients that they need to be healthy. This behavior can also be linked to low self-esteem and depression, which are commonly found in obese children. Poor health stemming from early ages of life can continue till adulthood.

Did you know with around 14.4 million obese children around the globe, India has the second-highest number of obese children in the world, next to China.

Causes

  • Obese children often are bullied and suffer a loss of self-esteem.

  • Low self-esteem can create overwhelming feelings of hopelessness, which can lead to depression in some obese children.

  • Obese children tend to have more anxiety and poorer social skills than normal-weight children.

Symptoms

  • Appearance changes including stretch marks on the hips and abdomen, dark, velvety skin around the neck and in other areas,fatty tissue deposition in the breast area.

  • Poor self-esteem

  • Eating disorders

  • Shortness of breath when doing physical activities

  • Sleep anxiety

  • Constipation

  • Gastroesophageal reflux

  • Early puberty and irregular menstrual cycles in girls

  • Delayed puberty in boys.

  • Flat feet, dislocated hip

Prevention

  • Developing healthy eating habits to be followed by each and every member of the family.

  • Limited consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages

  • Drinking plenty of water

  • Try out new ideas to make a favorite dish healthier and more presentable

  • Limit screen time

  • Staying positive

Foods to include

  • Fruits rich in vitamin & antioxidants

  • Nuts and seeds

  • Milk and dairy products

  • Green leafy vegetables

  • Foods rich in protein like eggs and bananas

Foods to exclude

  • Chocolatge shake & smoothies

  • Chesse and mayonnaise

  • Ready to eat food packets

  • Raw milk and flavored milk items

  • Extremely spicy food

Child obesity can lead serious health problems if it does not get eliminated at early age. Helping children to stay active has more benefits than just helping to manage weight. Keep children by involving them in more physical routine and giving them proper food with right nutrition. Stay happy, stay healthy!

 

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