Physical fitness is the first requirement for a happy and beautiful life. Staying healthy requires healthy eating habits, regular lifestyle and moderate weight. Those who do not maintain a healthy lifestyle, have irregular food and avoid physical exercise, easily accumulate excess fat in their body. This problem of excess weight gain is called obesity. It becomes a matter of concern when the body mass index (BMI) is increased in relation to the body height. It happens to children too! Today's topic is about child obesity. Today's discussion on why children gain weight and how to control it.
Causes of weight gain:
What are the causes of overweight or obesity in children, let's first know them -
- Genetic issues.
- Hormonal imbalances.
- Surroundings.
- Lying down all day.
- Unregulated lifestyle.
- Do not play sports outside.
- Drink extra soft drinks and eat chocolate, donuts, chips, burgers etc.
- Fast food regularly.
Stress can also cause weight gain in children. Many children overeat at home due to monotonous lifestyles or lack of entertainment. But that fat doesn't burn due to lack of physical activity. So the weight increases. Long-term use of steroid medicines can also lead to weight gain.
Playing less and increasing weight?
Many children gain weight even if they eat less. Slow digestion of food can be attributed in this case. It is seen that many children sit in the same place and watch television for long periods of time, this is more common in their case. Digestion problems occur if you do not exercise. Many people are used to eating fast food regularly like ice cream, milk chocolate, burgers, fried food etc. These foods are high in calories. So even if these foods are eaten in small amounts, more calories are stored in the body. As a result, even if you eat less, you gain weight.
Is child obesity a complicated problem?
Some complications usually occur when there is child obesity-
- The chances of developing type-2 diabetes increase.
- Blood cholesterol level increases.
- High blood pressure, heart problems occur.
- There is joint pain in the waist and joints.
- Snoring and shortness of breath during sleep.
- Gallbladder stones or infection.
- Physical and mental exhaustion occurs.
- Dark spots appear on the folds of the neck and skin folds.
- Accumulation of fat can lead to permanent liver problems.
Also, boys can have embarrassing problems like balding at a young age or girls starting menstruation and growing unwanted hair. So you now understand whether child obesity is an important problem!
What parents can do to prevent child obesity:
1) A weight chart should be kept to get a clear idea about the baby's weight gain. Find out from the doctor what should be the weight of the child according to the age.
2) If the school is near the house, then make the child practice walking instead of using a car or rickshaw.
3) Infants may suffer from obesity at a young age if they are fed cow's milk or only packaged food. So breastfeed the baby till six months. After six months, home-made nutritious food and fruits should be given in moderation. Fast food, soft drinks, chocolate, ice cream, sausages, frozen snacks etc. outside food should be given as little as possible to the growing child
4) Children should be encouraged to do their own work and should be given opportunities for outdoor sports. Care must be taken not to sit in front of the TV all day or get addicted to the device.
5) Use of stairs instead of elevators, outdoor sports every day, child participation in housework etc. will help the child to stay fit.
Get expert advice:
If it is suspected that the child is gaining weight or is interfering with normal activities due to excess weight, a pediatrician should be consulted. He or she will be able to tell if your child is actually heading towards obesity by measuring height and weight and performing other tests if necessary. If there is any hormonal problem, it will also be understood. So consult a doctor without delay if your child is obese.
The first step in controlling excess weight is a change in diet. Avoid fast food and eat healthy and balanced meals at home, and encourage the child to do the same. Do not forget to consult a doctor if the weight does not come under control through eating a balanced diet and exercising!
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