THE WEIGHT OF CHILDHOOD OBESITY

Generally, the weight of childhood obesity is glaring. To begin with, many parents do not realize the implications. Thus, they ignore the step towards

health challenges in their children. According to the Wikipedia, childhood obesity ‘ is a condition where excess body fat negatively affects a child’s

health or well being’.https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Childhood_obesity Thus, this is determined by the use of BMI (Body Mass Index) in coming to that

conclusion. Above all, Nigeria, has a growing population of grossly overweight children. Hence, this is fast becoming a public health concern.

Childhood obesity has a negative impact on the health of children. In fact, the weight of childhood obesity is heavy. Therefore, we must pay attention to this.

Causes of childhood obesity

1. Genetic Factors:

Firstly, the cause of childhood obesity can be attributed to genes. Usually, children from a lineage of overweight people will most often be over

weight. Also, there can be a tendency to have large appetite. Due to this, it makes them eat much more than normal. These accumulate calories that

translate to added fat. Consequently, obesity sets in. Again, some children have some innate metabolic issues that do not encourage fat to be burnt as

it should. Scientists insist that there are 200 genes in an individual that affect weight. The genes determine, body type, rate of metabolism and even

appetite. Furthermore, there are rare genetic conditions that affect children. Examples of such rare genetic conditions include but not limited to:

  • MOMO syndrome
  • Congenital leptin deficiency
  • Prader-Willi Syndrome
  • Leptin receptor mutations

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Childhood_obesity

2. Physical Inactivity:

Secondly, there is a trend of inactivity. Children do not play outside anymore. They rather stay indoors to watch television and video games. As

a result, they get fatter. Walking is rare for children. Active play is not trendy. Parents keep children indoors for various reasons. School age

children ride the bus to school instead of walking. Due to the bad roads, biking is discouraged. Compounds are interlocked, so outdoor playing is

challenging. Physical activity encourages metabolic rate. Hence, playing helps maintain a healthy weight for children.

3. Bad eating habits:

Thirdly, families have very unhealthy eating habits. The culture of junk, uncooked food is common. Children today eat a lot of sugary and

canned food. These foods are not healthy for weight control. Also, there is no planned meal times. Families do not dine together anymore. Therefore,

the children eat without control. Snacks are now main meals. These bad eating habits will have negative impact on the weight. Children take junk

food to school because it is convenient. Many families do not have cooked meals but are more interested in restaurants and Mama put joints. It is now

a status symbol to eat out and buy take away in Nigeria. There is no emphasis on fruits and vegetables as part of family meals.

4. Hormonal/Medical problems:

Fourthly, childhood obesity can be as a result of medical and hormonal problems. Also, some children are on medication that makes them put on

weight.For instance, children that have high cortisol in their system are likely to be overweight. This condition is Cushing’s syndrome. Also, another

hormonal condition can cause overweight in children. For instance Hypothyroidism. This is when the thyroids are under active.

5. Psychological factors:

Fifth is that there are some psychological factors that can cause obesity. The weight of obesity is indeed much . Sometimes, too much pressure on

children can make them eat a lot. As a result, the stress level can encourage obesity. Furthermore, children eat when bored. Also, parents who eat a lot influence their children.

Effects of childhood obesity.

The weight of childhood obesity is far reaching. However, it takes a toll on various aspects of the life of the child. Childhood obesity can affect a child

emotionally, physically, and socially. Nevertheless, it has an adverse effect on the health of the child. In addition, childhood obesity can lead to many health complications. Some are namely:

Health impact :

  • Sleep Apnea
  • High Blood Pressure
  • Liver disease
  • High cholesterol
  • Asthma
  • Type 2 Diabetes
  • Bone fracture
  • Metabolic Syndrome
  • Heart Disease

Psychological effects :

Managing Childhood Obesity:

The weight of childhood obesity is real. Therefore, we must take precaution. There are several ways to prevent and manage this condition. For instance ,

there can be change of lifestyle. Besides that, there can be application of suggested strategies.

  • Insist on portion control.
  • Encourage outdoor activities.
  • Cut down on time spent on video games or movies.
  • Encourage routine regular exercises.
  • Enroll children in sports in school.
  • Eat meals together as a family.
  • Make fruits and vegetables available and mandatory.
  • Cut down on the frequency of eating out.
  • Make sure children get at least 8 hours of sleep.
  • Plan mandatory well child check up in the hospital yearly.
  • Eliminate the consumption of fizzy drinks, sugary and white flour food.

Lastly, we must wage war against childhood obesity. The consequences are grave. Many parents avoid discussing the health status of their children.

They get irritated and angry. However, we must note that being in denial does not solve a problem. It will rather compound it. Taking action would

be wiser. The weight of childhood obesity can be beyond heavy. It can be fatal. A price too painful to pay.

Further Reading:

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