Childhood obesity : Causes-Symptoms-Diagnosis-Treatment
What is Childhood obesity?
Childhood obesity is a serious medical condition that affects children and adolescents. It can be particularly troubling because the extra pounds often start children on the path to health problems such as diabetes, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol.
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| Childhood obesity |
Childhood obesity can lead to feelings of self-doubt and depression.
One of the best ways to reduce childhood obesity is by improving the eating and exercise habits of your entire family. Improving obesity rates in kids now will help protect their health in the future.
Medical terms
Children who have a body mass index (BMI) at the same level or over ninety five p.c of their peers are thought of to own fleshiness. BMI could be a tool used to verify your “weight status.” BMI is calculated by exploiting your height and weight. Your BMI mark (where your BMI price falls in regard to alternative people) is then determined using your gender and age.
And Diabetes There is a known link between obesity and diabetes Being overweight can cause type 2 diabetes by increasing the amount of insulin resistance Type 2 diabetes is characterized by high blood glucose levels that result from insufficient insulin production combined with the body's inability to use insulin efficiently If you are overweight reducing your weight to normal levels - along with increasing your exercise and eating a healthy diet - can reduce your risk of developing type 2 diabetes.
is a growing problem in The percentage of people considered to be obese has more than doubled over the past two decades The most recent figures from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) show that 31.9% of adults are classified as obese This alarming trend has led many health experts to refer to obesity as an epidemic one that requires immediate action.
Childhood obesity is a serious health threat to children. youngsters with obesity have surpassed merely being overweight and are in danger for a variety of chronic health conditions. Poor health stemming from childhood obesity will continue into adulthood.
Childhood fleshiness doesn’t simply have an effect on physical health. Kids and teens who are overweight or obese can become depressed and have poor self-image and self-esteem.
Symptoms Childhood obesity
Not all children who are carrying extra pounds are overweight. Some children have larger-than-average body frames. And children vary in how much body fat they carry at different stages of development. So you might not be able to tell by looking at your child if weight is a concern.
The body mass index (BMI) is a measure of weight in relation to height that is accepted by doctors. If your child's doctor decides that your child's weight may be a health problem, your doctor may use growth charts to figure this out.
In addition to excessive body weight, typical signs and symptoms of childhood obesity include:
Anxiety
Depression
Low self-esteem
Being bullied or socially isolated from peers
Prejudice from adults in their lives like relatives, teachers, and health care provider
Dislocated hips
Flat feet and knock knees
Skin rashes and irritation
Stretch marks on hips, abdomen, and back (though these can occur in non-obese children as well)
Acanthosis nigricans, which is dark, velvety skin around the neck and in other areas
Fat tissue in the breast area (which can be particularly challenging for boys)
Constipation
Gastroesophageal reflux (also called acid reflux)
Early puberty in girls
Delayed puberty in boys
People who are obese have a higher risk of developing serious health problems than those who have normal weight. If you have excess body fat you may be at risk for obesity-related health concerns. Talk with your doctor if you experience any of the following warning signs.
When to see a doctor
If you're concerned that your child is gaining too much weight, talk to the doctor. The doctor will take your child's history of growth and development into account as well as your family's weight-for-height history. This can help determine if your child falls within a healthy weight range. If your child's weight is in an unhealthy range, it means they are not getting the proper amount of nutrition.
Causes Childhood obesity
Lifestyle issues and eating too many calories from food and drinks are the main contributors to childhood obesity. But genetics and hormones might also play a role.
Family history, psychological factors, and lifestyle all play a role in childhood fat. Kids whose folks or different relations are overweight or obese are doubtlessly additional to follow suit. However, the biggest reason for childhood obesity could be a combination of consuming an excessive amount of and exercising too little.
A poor diet containing high levels of fat or sugar and few nutrients will cause children to achieve weight quickly. Quick food, candy, and soft drinks are common culprits. The U.S. Department of Health & Human Services (HHS) reports that thirty two % of adolescent ladies and fifty two percent of adolescent boys in the u. s. drink 24 ounces of soda — or additional — per day.
Convenience foods, admired frozen dinners, salty snacks, and canned pastas, may also contribute to unhealthy weight gain. Some kids develop fat as a result of their folks not having the knowledge to decide on or prepare healthy foods. different families might not be able to simply afford recent fruits, vegetables, and meats.
Not enough physical activity will be another reason for childhood obesity. folks of all ages tend to achieve weight once they’re less active. Exercise burns calories and helps you maintain a healthy weight. Children who aren’t inspired to be active are also less doubtless to burn additional calories through sports, time on the playground, or different kinds of physical activity.
Psychological problems may additionally cause fat in some children. Children and youths who are bored, stressed, or depressed may eat additional food to manage negative emotions.
Risk factors Childhood obesity
There are many factors that increase your child's risk of becoming overweight, usually working together:
Diet. Eating high-calorie foods such as fast food, bakery goods, and vending machine snacks can cause your child to gain weight. Candy and desserts can also contribute to weight gain, and more and more evidence points to sugary drinks including fruit juices and sports drinks as culprits in obesity in some children. People.
Lack of exercise.If children don't burn as many calories, they are likely to gain weight. This is because too much time is spent sitting around instead of being active, and television shows often feature ads for unhealthy foods.
Family factors.If your child is from a family of overweight people, they may be more likely to become overweight. This is especially true in an environment where high-calorie foods are always available and there isn't much physical activity encouraged.
Psychological factors can influence behavior.Stress from personal parental and family life can increase a child's risk of obesity. Some children eat more to deal with problems or emotions, such as stress. Their parents might also behave this way.
Factors related to a person's social and economic status. Some people in some communities have limited resources and may not have easy access to supermarkets. As a result, they might purchase convenience foods such as frozen meals and cookies that do not spoil quickly. People who live in poorer neighborhoods may not have easy access to a safe place. Stay active.
Certain medications.Some prescription drugs can increase the risk of developing obesity. These include prednisone, lithium, amitriptyline, paroxetine (Paxil), gabapentin (Neurontin Gralise Horizant), and propranolol (Inderal Hemangeol).
Complications Childhood obesity
Obesity in children often causes physical, social, and emotional problems.
Physical complications
Physical complications of obesity in childhood may include:
Type 2 diabetes.Type 2 diabetes is a condition that affects how your child's body uses sugar. Obesity and a sedentary lifestyle make the condition more likely.
Having high cholesterol and high blood pressure can be dangerous.A poor diet can lead to the accumulation of plaque in the arteries, which can cause them to narrow and harden, possibly leading to a heart attack or stroke later in life.
Joint pain.Being overweight causes extra stress on the hips and knees. Childhood obesity can lead to pain and sometimes injuries in these areas.
Breathing problems.Asthma is more common in overweight children. These children are also more likely to develop obstructive sleep apnea, a potentially serious disorder in which a child's breathing repeatedly stops and starts during sleep.
Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease is a condition in which the liver doesn't produce enough of the substances that help it work properly.This disorder, which usually causes no symptoms, causes fat deposits to build up in the liver. This can lead to scarring and liver damage.
Social and emotional complications
If a child is obese, they may experience teasing or bullying by their peers. This can lead to feelings of low self-esteem and an increased risk of depression and anxiety.
Prevention Childhood obesity
There are a few ways you can help your child maintain a healthy weight:
Set a good example.Everyone in the family should make healthy eating and regular physical activity a regular part of their lives. Everyone will benefit and no one will feel singled out.
Have healthy snacks available.There are many options for snacks during the movie night. You can have air-popped popcorn without butter, with baby carrots that have no fat, or with whole-grain cereal that has no fat.
Offer new foods multiple times.It may take your child a few exposures to a new food to become familiar with it. Don't get discouraged if he or she doesn't immediately like it.
Choose nonfood rewards.Giving children candy as a reward for good behavior is not a good idea.
Be sure your child gets enough sleep.Some studies show that too little sleep may increase the risk of obesity. Lack of sleep can cause hormonal imbalances that lead to an increased appetite.
Make sure your child sees a doctor at least once a year. During this visit, the doctor will measure your child's height and weight and calculate his or her BMI percentile rank. If your child's BMI percentile rank increases by more than one unit over the course of one year, this may be a sign that something is wrong. A child may become overweight if they eat a lot of food.
How can an obese person lose weight?
is the neurological process that enables people to make decisions. What is the definition of cognition? How does this process influence decision making? Cognition is the psychological process by which we acquire, organize , store and apply knowledge and information from our environment. This process enables us to make sense of our world, solve problems, think critically and creatively and make decisions.
At what age do females gain the most weight?
Recent research shows that in today's society the body weight of women increases rapidly after 25 years old From age 25 through 35 women gain an average of 0.8 pounds per year which is slightly more than half a pound every four months or 16 pounds in five years This may not seem like much at first but keep in mind that most men do not begin to gain weight until they are over 40 and women usually start gaining later in life By the time they reach 60 or 70 most women have gained between 20 and 30 pounds if they live long enough At that point it becomes very difficult to lose any.
Why do I eat more when I\'m with my boyfriend?
Eat less: Eating in front of a significant other makes some people lose control Even if they aren't watching you take a bite they know that it's available and ready to eat when they are Stock the fridge with healthy snacks like hummus with raw veggies or celery sticks with peanut butter Place bowls of these snacks on shelves where your boyfriend can easily grab them as well so he won't have any excuses for snacking either!.
- in the U.S.: causes and consequences Childhood obesity is caused by various factors including genetics poor diet and lack of exercise Obesity raises a person's risk of developing other conditions such as heart disease diabetes and asthma It also has numerous short term effects on health Because overweight children are at increased risk for adult obesity childhood obesity may even negatively impact life expectancy in some cases.
- and its effects In today's society childhood obesity is a growing problem and in this essay I will be discussing the causes and consequences of child obesity As rates of adult type diabetes strokes and heart disease are rising so too is the incidence of childhood obesity In fact most cases of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (the form that develops in adulthood) begins in children long before they reach puberty Childhood obesity occurs when a child has an excessive amount of body fat that makes them look heavy or stout as defined by their height.
Can childhood obesity be reversed?
Childhood obesity is a major health issue in today's society Approximately 20% of children in the United States and 30% of adolescents between the ages of 12 to 19 are overweight or obese If you are living with an obese child it's important to get them healthy before they become an adult Being overweight as an adult can lead to serious problems and diseases that could have been avoided if your child was at a normal weight when they were younger and maintained that ideal weight into adulthood To help avoid this from happening talk to your child's pediatrician about ways you can set goals together for proper diet and exercise.
What is the fastest way for a kid to lose weight?
In order to lose weight most kids need to make a few changes in their eating habits The first thing kids can do is to start watching what they eat This means that they should avoid fast food and junk foods whenever possible In addition kids must find ways of burning the extra calories in their body A good way for them to do this is through playing sports or taking part in activities that are not sedentary like drawing reading and so on Finally parents should be included because it will help the child stick to his diet plan and sports regimen more effectively.
How can a kid lose belly fat fast?
There are several tips that can help you lose weight without exercising or eating special diets Today we will talk about how a kid can lose belly fat fast To begin with the best way to get rid of the fat around the tummy is to exercise regularly and eat healthier food Try to focus on omega-3 fatty acids which play an important role in maintaining weight loss Also try not to drink any soda or alcohol as both contribute a lot to gaining belly fat Furthermore avoid junk food as it increases your cravings for sweets and other processed foods that harm your overall health.
At what age is it harder to lose weight?
The age when it becomes harder to lose weight is after the age of 40 in women and 50 in men This is when your metabolism starts slowing down signaling to your body that you are no longer growing which leads to you requiring fewer calories per day If women maintain the same eating habits that they had before middle age they will gain about 15 pounds on average by the time they hit menopause For those who stop exercising or become less active as a result of their changing lives weight gain can increase even more.
Childhood obesity can be attributed to a number of factors including excessive consumption of calories from processed foods lack of physical activity genetics and mental health disorders While it's important to understand the causes of childhood obesity some risk factors are controllable For example parents play an integral part in preventing childhood obesity by instilling healthy eating habits in their children and ensuring they get enough exercise every day While many overweight kids don't have access to safe outdoor play areas or organized sports leagues parents can help make up for that by providing supervised activities such as bike riding or walking around their neighborhoods Kids also need an hour or two
Childhood obesity USA
There are more obese children than ever before in US The percentage of excess-weighted children is rising dramatically due to the change in food consumption pattern increase in parents’ work hours and less physical activity Children usually get exposed to junk foods from an early age that makes them prone to obesity Moreover many kids prefer to play video games rather than taking out some time for playing outdoors which increases the risk of obesity.
Diagnosis Childhood obesity
Your doctor calculates your child's BMI and determines where it falls on the BMI-for-age growth chart. The BMI helps indicate if your child is overweight, based on his or her age and height.
Your doctor uses a growth chart to determine your child's percentile score. This score tells you how your child compares with other children of the same age and sex. For example, if your child's percentile score is 80%, this means that he or she is in the middle of the group of children in that category.
The cutoff points on these growth charts provided by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention help classify the severity of a child's weight problem.
If your BMI falls into the 85th to 94th percentile, you are considered overweight.
If your BMI is 95% or above, you are considered obese.
If your BMI is greater than 99th percentile, you are severely obese.
BMI (Body Mass Index) isn't always accurate because it doesn't take into account things like being muscular or having a larger body frame, and growth patterns vary greatly among children. So your doctor also looks at your child's growth and development when determining if their weight is a health concern. This passage is about how people feel concerned.
Besides BMI and charting weight on the growth charts, the doctor also evaluates other factors such as height and muscle development.
Your family's history of being overweight and having health problems related to obesity, such as diabetes.
Your child's eating habits
Your child's activity level
Other health conditions your child has
The psychosocial history includes information about instances of depression, sleep disturbances, and sadness, as well as whether your child feels isolated or alone. Additionally, the history may ask about any bullying incidents.
Blood tests
Your doctor may order blood tests that include:
A blood sugar test
Other tests to check hormone imbalances or other conditions associated with obesity may be done.
Some tests require that your child not eat or drink anything before the test. Please ask your child if he needs to fasten before a blood test and for how long.
Treatment Childhood obesity
Treatment for childhood obesity is based on your child's age and other medical conditions. Usually, this includes changes in your child's eating habits and physical activity level. In some cases, treatment might include medications or.
If a child's BMI falls within the 85th to 94th percentile for overweight children, they may be eligible for treatment.
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that children who are over 2 years old and whose weight falls in the overweight category be put on a weight-maintenance program to slow the progression of weight gain. This strategy allows the child to add inches in height, but not pounds, which will result in their BMI dropping over time. It is healthier to be in a healthy range.
If your child's BMI is 95th percentile or above, they may need treatment.
Children ages 6 to 11 who are considered obese might be encouraged to change their eating habits in a way that causes them to lose no more than 1 pound (or about 0.5 kilogram) a month. Children who are older and have obesity or severe obesity might be encouraged to make smaller changes to their eating habits. Aim to lose up to 2 pounds (or about 1 kilogram) each week by eating a healthy diet.
To maintain your child's current weight or lose weight, they need to eat a healthy diet and engage in physical activity. This is largely dependent on your willingness to help them make these changes. There are changes that happen.
Healthy eating
Parents are responsible for buying groceries, cooking meals, and deciding where the food is eaten. Small changes in your child's diet can have a big impact on their health.
Prioritize fruits and vegetables.When grocery shopping, try to avoid convenience foods such as cookies, crackers, and prepared meals that are often high in sugar, fat, and calories.
Limit sweetened beverages.Drinks that contain fruit juice are not as nutritious as other drinks, which can make your child feel full and not want to eat healthier foods.
Avoid fast food.Most of the menu items are high in fat and calories.
Sit down together for family meals.Make it a special occasion. Have an event where everyone shares news and stories. This will help to reduce the amount that is eaten quickly, and it will also help people to be more aware of what they are eating.
Serve appropriate portion sizes. Children don't need as much food as adults do. Start with a small portion and your child can ask for more if they're still hungry. Don't allow them to eat until they are full even if that means leaving food on their plate. And remember that restaurant portions often are much larger than what is necessary. Large is a word that means big.
Physical activity
Physical activity is important for maintaining a healthy weight in children. It burns calories, strengthens bones and muscles, and helps children sleep well at night and stay alert during the day.
Maintaining healthy weights is easier if good habits are established during childhood. Active children are more likely to remain fit adults.
To increase your child's activity level: Try different activities and see what gets their attention the most.
Limit TV time.Children older than 2 should spend no more than two hours a day engaged in recreational screen time, which includes watching TV, using a computer or tablet, or using a smartphone. For children younger than 2, screen time should be limited to nothing at all.
Emphasize activity, not exercise. Your child should be moderately to vigorously active for at least an hour each day. This can be accomplished by participating in free-play activities, such as playing hide-and-seek or jumping rope. Olive oil is a great way to burn calories and improve fitness.
Find activities your child likes. Some ideas for using leaves and rocks by children who are artistically inclined or who enjoy nature walks or playground activities include collecting leaves and stones to make a collage, going on a nature hike to collect them, or climbing to the top of a nearby neighborhood jungle gym or climbing wall. If your child likes to read, walk or bike to a local library. A library is a place where books are kept.
Medications
Some children and adolescents might be prescribed medication in order to help them lose weight.
Weight-loss surgery
Adolescent obesity can be a serious problem, and weight-loss surgery might be an option for those who have tried to lose weight through other means but have not been successful. However, there are risks and potential complications with any surgery, so it is important to talk with your child's doctor about the pros and cons of this option.
If your child's weight is posing a greater health risk than the potential risks of surgery, your doctor might recommend this surgery. It's important that your child meet with a team of specialists, including an obesity medicine expert, to make sure the surgery is the best option for them. A psychologist and a dietitian work together.
Losing weight through surgery is not a guaranteed solution. It isn't a cure for obesity and may not be successful in keeping the weight off long term. Physical activity and a healthy diet are still important aspects of weight loss. weight-loss surgery.
Coping and support
Parents play an important role in helping children feel loved and in control of their weight. Take advantage of every opportunity to build your child's self-esteem. Don't be afraid to talk about health and fitness with them. Address the topic directly, without being critical or judgmental. You might feel judgmental when you read this passage.
In addition, consider the following:
Avoid weight talk.Talking negatively about someone's weight is not helpful. Instead, try to have healthy conversations about eating and positive body image.
Discourage dieting and skipping meals.Do not encourage unhealthy eating and lack of physical activity. Help your child to eat healthy foods and exercise regularly.
Encourage your child's efforts by praising them.Celebrate small changes in behavior, but don't give your child food rewards for them. For example, take your child to the bowling alley or a local park instead.
Discuss your child's feelings with him or her.Help your child find ways other than eating to deal with emotions.Some ways your child can deal with emotions are by playing, spending time with friends, and doing things that he/she enjoys.
Help your child focus on positive goals.For example, you can now bike for more than 20 minutes without feeling tired or run the required number of laps in gym class.
Be patient.Watching your child eat is important, but it is also important not to focus too much on their weight or eating habits. This can easily lead to overeating and a possible eating disorder.
Preparing for your appointment
If your child is obese, the family doctor or pediatrician will probably make the initial diagnosis. If your child has complications from obesity, you might be referred to other specialists to help manage these complications.
Here is some information that will help you prepare for your appointment.
What you can do
Before your appointment, ask if there are any special preparations your child needs to make, such as fasting beforehand. Make a list of what needs to be done, such as fasting for a certain amount of time beforehand.
Your child's symptoms,If any, when did the conflicts begin?
Key personal information,The health history questionnaire includes questions about your family medical history and your history of obesity.
Do not take any medications, vitamins, or other supplements without first talking to a doctor. your child takes, including doses
What your child usually eats in a week and how active he or she is
Questions to ask your doctor
It is helpful to have someone with you who can help you remember all the information you are given.
Some basic questions you may want to ask your doctor if you are concerned about your child's weight include:
What other health problems is my child likely to get?
What are the treatment options?
Can medications help manage my child's weight and other health conditions?
How long will treatment take?
How can I help my child stay healthy and lose weight?
Can I have brochures or other printed material? What websites do you recommend?
If you have any questions, don't hesitate to ask.
What to expect from your doctor
Your child's doctor or other health care provider is likely to ask you a number of questions about your child's eating and activity, including:
What does your child typically eat in a day?
How active is your child on a typical day?
What factors do you believe are responsible for your child's weight?
What diets or treatments have you tried to help your child lose weight?
Do you want to make changes in your family's lifestyle to help your child lose weight?
What might help your child maintain a healthy weight?
How often does the family eat together? Does the child help prepare the food?
Are you watching TV or using a computer while your child or family is eating?
What you can do in the meantime
If you have a few days or weeks before your child's scheduled appointment, keep track of what he or she eats and how active he or she is.
General summary
Childhood obesity is a serious issue within the United States. However, with correct education and support, youngsters will learn healthier ways to agitate their problems, prepare meals, and keep active. This support should come back from the adults in their lives: parents, teachers, and different caregivers. facilitate your children stay healthier for extended periods by getting ready alimentary foods for them and inspiring them to induce many exercises.
in America Obesity has reached epidemic proportions in the United States In fact more than two-thirds of American adults are considered to be overweight or obese In addition one-third of American children and teenagers are also considered to be overweight or obese The consequences of obesity can impact all areas of a person's life Obese people face greater health problems such as heart disease stroke diabetes and certain cancers They also have a hard time buying clothes that fit and may be socially isolated because of their weight Obesity can also put a strain on the economy as obese people will have more medical bills which leads to higher insurance costs for everyone.
