Obesity In Children

Obesity among children is an issue that is getting common day by day, worldwide. Currently more than 1 billion people worldwide are obese in which children contribute to about 39 million. As per a report by World Health Organization, it is estimated that by 2025 approximately 167 million people including adults and children will become less healthy because they are obese. Obesity in children can give rise to many health issues both physically and mentally. In an another report published by John Elflein,10 million cases of children being overweight were recorded in the year 2020.

With Obesity getting more prevalent among children with time, it is contributing in a lot of problems that children are facing nowadays. Obesity not only affects a children’s physically but also disturbs a kid’s mental health. Some of the common issues experienced by kids both physically and mentally are:

· Higher Blood Pressure

· Type 2 diabetes

· Higher Cholesterol

· Stress

· Bullying

· Depression

There are various causes which results in obesity in children. These causes can depend from genetics to lifestyle. Obesity usually results from eating more calories than what you burn in a single day. The excess calories then get stored in the body in the form of fat. The common issues causing obesity in children are:

Genetics is the main cause of obesity in children. Children whose parents are obese have a higher risk of getting overweight. Studies have shown that various genes may contribute to weight gain.

Lifestyle and behaviour of kids is an another reason why young people get obese. Consumption of snacks and sweets which are very high in calories and fat content is very popular in children. Aside from snacks, lack of activity and exercise can also contribute a lot in obesity. More use of screen time is an another prime factor.

Cultural practices can also contribute a lot in getting overweight. Advertisement of Junk Food and Candies on Televisions and Billboards can sway children to eat more of these foods.

Parents can do certain things to ensure to tackle obesity in their children.

· Reduce Sugar Intake: Reduction of sugar intake will prevent a lot of unwanted calories to be absorbed by the body thus helping in weight loss.

· Eating Habits: Parents should encourage their kids to eat healthy and nutritious things and less fast food and candies.

· Exercise: Parents should also encourage their children to exercise in any form be it playing outside, running or helping around the house.

· Encourage Better Sleep: Children need around 8 hours of sleep to remain healthy. Parents should ensure that their kid is getting enough sleep to healthy and active.

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