Obesity is Dangerous to Children

By Ayesha Jabeen

These children often suffer from low self-esteem. As a result these children are isolated and develop severe depression.

Childhood obesity is growing to become one of the most chronic diseases of childhood. It is not the only disease in itself but gives rise to various other serious diseases such as diabetes, hypertension, sleep apnea, cardiovascular diseases and orthopedic complications. It leads to morbid consequences in adulthood increasing the risk of premature death. Obese children are likely to suffer considerable psychological effects as well as social stigma and discrimination.

A child suffering from obesity has problems in mobility. Their lives are very painful because of the excess weight that they carry around constantly and hence unable to lead a normal life. People always ridicule them because of their weight problems. Some of them have great difficulty making friends and relating to the other children in their schools thus hampering their social growth. These children often suffer from low self-esteem. As a result these children are isolated and develop severe depression.

Certain factors are targeted as major contributors of childhood obesity. These include:

• Dietary patterns
• Lack of physical activity
• Heredity and family

Dietary patterns
Dietary patterns play a large role here, wrong eating habits, consuming more calories than required and burning less, eating lots of junk food and ignoring healthy food, untimely eating of meals, are all the factors contributing to obesity. In today’s world it becomes extremely essential that children are trained and equipped with healthy eating habits. Today’s society considers eating unhealthy food as a style of sophisticated life. With the advent of fast food and rush of the hour most parents have forgotten their responsibility of instilling good food habits in their children. It is never advisable for children to skip their three times healthy meals particularly breakfast which is the most important meal of the day. They should be provided with nutritious cereals and porridge at their breakfast time.

As much as possible they should not be given snacks between meals. It is a bad idea when parents reward their kids with food. Never let your child build up a habit of binging on food like fried snacks in his leisure or as a means of entertainment. While preparing meals for children ensure you cook it in a healthy way considering their likes and dislikes. Fried foods, sweets and desserts should be allowed in moderation. Teach your kids to develop a habit of eating fruits and vegetables regularly. Avoid processed foods as far as possible limiting them to once a while only when absolutely required. Do not bribe children with chocolates and sweets and do not make it a daily habit for them.

Today, it is estimated that a larger chunk of money is spent on food outside home, at restaurants, cafeterias, sporting events, parties, etc. people are prone to consume more calories when they eat out when compared to eating at home.

Beverages such as carbonated soft drinks and juice boxes also greatly contribute to the childhood obesity. A bottle of cola contains approximately 400 calories. The consumption of cola by children has increased by 300 percent in last 20 years. Scientific studies have documented a 60 percent increased risk of obesity for every regular soft drink consumed per day. Box drinks, juice, fruit drinks and sports drinks all add on to a significant problem. These beverages contain a higher amount of calories and research shows that 20 percent of children who are currently overweight are due to excessive caloric intake from beverages.

Lack of physical activity
Sedentary life style is making children lazy. They sit glued to computers and television for long hours in their free time. Parents and teachers at school should encourage children in taking up physical activities. They should play outdoors instead of sitting in one place being a couch potato. Report says only 50 percent of children participate in regular physical activities, 25% of them do not take part in any of the exercises. On an average a child spends two hours watching television and 26% of children spend at least four hours on television.

Heredity and family
It is known that genes play an important role in causing obesity. Children of overweight parents are more likely to be obese, if it is hereditary then it is not curable but the excess weight can be controlled to a certain extent through weight management program and taking the help of a dietitian.

The world statistics show that there are more than 5 million obese children in the world. The world statistics on obesity in children have become noteworthy enough that the World Health Organization (WHO) has become actively involved in researching and finding ways to treat and prevent the condition. A task force called the International Obesity Task Force has been formed to study the propositions of these world statistics on obesity in children around the world, to determine the best methods for controlling this issue. 300 million people worldwide are considered obese, and 750 million are overweight as per findings from this organization.

It is disappointing to learn that parents, teachers and health professionals are not taking enough efforts when it comes to the health and well being of our kids. The statistics in child obesity show that this condition has reached alarming rates, and doesn’t show any signs of receding . As much as 20% of the children and teens are considered obese. Each day is seeing increased number of kids who are at risk for diabetes, heart disease and high blood pressure. The child obesity statistics show that if parents, schools, government and health care professionals do not act quickly, the coming generations may see even more obese and unhealthy children. It is utterly vital that we take preventive measures today to see healthier generations tomorrow.

Today’s parents are very busy working out, partying and socializing as a result of which children are being neglected. It is not their fault if they are obese we are leading them towards it. As parents it is our bound responsibility to take time out for our children to cook healthy meals for them at home and adopt a healthy life style.

Child obesity is not a problem without solution there are numerous healthy recommendations that can be sought by health professionals. Parents should lead their children by example rather than forcing guidance onto them as kids learn by imitation and follow the actions of their elders. It is our duty to teach children healthy ways of eating and educating them about nutritional values, diet and exercise so that they can lead a healthier and happier life.