Life Style Back

Obesity at Young Age

One of the challenge the developing countries are facing today is the child obesity. 

The percentage of obese children in a city schools’ classrooms are increasing every year, this calls for an immediate intervention and management.

With more number of diabetics than in any other country in the world, India is fast becoming the diabetic capital of the world. According to the International Diabetes Foundation, the disease affects more than 62 million Indians, which is more than 7.1% of India’s adult population. An estimate shows that nearly one million Indians die due to diabetes every year. But even more worrying factor is that diabetes is affecting more and more children and the number is fast increasing. The main factor for the high incidence of diabetes among India’s young population is obesity. 

The high obesity rate among young children is factor to worry for many reasons. More importantly, obesity causes children to go through puberty at an early stage. Today, children have been attaining menarche at an increasingly younger age. It is time to fight against obesity and protect the health of our future India.  

In recent times, we find most of the children are spending more time in front of the television, computer, video game console or smart phone. Besides, food habits also play a crucial role in obesity as children are addicted to fast foods and has become "Couch Pototoes". Couching in front of television or computer screens, snacking packaged and junk food has become a routine these days for many children. 

Though there might be number of factors which contribute to a child becoming overweight, the following may be the major factors that causes obesity in children:
• Genetics,
• Lifestyle habits
• Sedentary lifestyle and
• Junk food

It’s time for parents to find ways and spend quality time with children to prevent them from becoming obese and couch potatoes. It is better if the parents not only help their kids lead healthy lifestyles but 
also set an example for others. 

Is Your Child Overweight?
Body Mass Index (BMI) uses height and weight measurements to estimate a person’s body fat. Using a BMI calculator, you can find out your child’s BMI. 
Generally, kids fall into one of four categories:
Weight Status Categories for Children & Adolescents
Weight Status Category  Percentile Range
Underweight                   Less than the 5th percentile
HealthyWeight                5th percentile to less than the 85th percentile
Overweight                       85th to less than the 95th percentile
Obese                                Equal to or greater than the 95th percentile

Any child who falls at or above the 85th percentile may be considered overweight. 

If your child is found to be overweight, have you taken proper action by changing his/her eating and activity and food habits accordingly.  Further, you can also consult your doctor to assess the medical conditions that can be associated with obesity. In addition, you may also refer a dietitian for additional advice and a comprehensive weight management program.

The Effects of Obesity
Obesity increases the risk for serious health conditions like
• Type 2 diabetes
• High blood pressure
• High cholesterol
• Bone and joint problems
• Shortness of breath that makes exercise, sports, or any physical activity more difficult and may aggravate the symptoms or increase the chances of developing asthma
• Tendency to mature earlier
• Liver and gall bladder disease etc.

Once all these were considered as exclusive adult diseases, but unfortunately now kids are also more vulnerable to these ailments.  Obese kids are not only prone to these diseases, but also prone to low self-esteem and depression that affects their present and future health and quality of life.

How can we prevent obesity 
First of all, parents have to take a conscious effort and make it a whole family affair. By introducing healthy eating habits and regularly exercising one can incorporate healthy habits into your family. 
• As a responsible parent try to be a good role model and develop a positive attitude to being active.
• Make your children realize how best you enjoy the physical activities and try to motivate them to follow.
• Encourage them to get involved in vigorous exercises and activities like running, swimming or playing sports.
• Make sure your child drink plenty of water when they are physically active or playing sports.
• An active lifestyle is fueled by healthy foods – make sure your children make healthy food and drink choices.
• Limit foods that are high in added sugar, salt and saturated fat.
• Spend quality time with the family.
• Limit the amount of time your child spends on televisions and other electronic gadgets.