Childhood obesity is a very serious medical condition that affects children and adolescents . Children who are obese are above the normal weight for their age and height. Obesity has been a problem for children born into a rich home, because they eat a lot of food without doing any strenuous work, but now children from poor home also has this problem as they may inherit it as a hereditary trait from their parents. Childhood obesity comes along with it many health problems that was once considered adult problems, such as high blood pressure, diabetes and high cholesterol . Many Obesed children become Obesed adult if one or both parents are obese.

 Childhood obesity can also lead to low self esteem and depression . One of the best strategies to reduce childhood obesity is to improve the eating and the exercise habit of your entire family. Treating and preventing childhood obesity help protect your child health now and in the future , while neglecting it will put your child health at risk. 

  

Causes of childhood obesity  

 There are many reasons why a child may be obese including medical or genetic ones. In most cases children are overweight because they eat unhealthy food and lead a sedentary lifestyle. Reasons why more children are obese. 

 Behavioural factors . 

 Eating bigger portion,eating food that are calorie rich but nutrient poor (junk foods), spending lot of time in front of the television or computer and spending too little time doing physical activities . 


 Environmental factors ;

 Easy access to high calorie junk foods, few opportunities for physical activities  lack of parks and playground in some communities . 

 Genetics factors ;

  A child is at increased risk for obesity when atleast one parent is obese  however genes do not necessarily mean that a child is destined to be overweight, there are several steps to take to lower the risk. 

 Medical condition ;

  Genetics syndrome like Hormonal condition like hypothyroidism are among the medical disorders that can cause dire obesity . 

            Symptoms of childhood obesity 

 Excessive accumulation of body fat is the significant sign of obesity . Obe2is measured in terms of body mass, measuring the weight of  an individual in relation to height . 
      Potbelly. 
      Overeating  
      Shortness of breath  

    Possible complications of obesity . 

  A child who is over weight or obese is more likely to be overweight as an adult . Obese children are no3 developing health problems that was mostly seen in adults. Children who are obese are at risk of developing this problems;
     *high blood pressure (hypertension ) 
      *high blood glucose (sugar ) or diabetes  
      *high blood cholesterol. 
      *stopping breathing during sleep. 
       *Heart attack due to corona heart disease, heart failure and stroke later in life. 
   Obesed girls are more likely not to have regular menstrual periods . 
    *obese children will always have low self esteem, they are more likely to be teased and bullied and they may have a hard time making friends. 

  Steps in treating childhood obesity  

    Treating obesity in children and adolescents is more different from that of an adult. Involving the family in a child weight management program is a key element to treatment. As a support system family is integral in ensuring weight management goals are met. 
  The various treatments of obesity in children and adolescents are

  Diet therapy ;

 When treating a child or adolescents affected by obesity, it is often advised they have a consultation with a nutritionist specialised in children need . Nutritionist can best help children understand healthy eating habits and how to implement them in their long term diet. In some cases nutritionist do not always recommend restricting calories intake for children.Education on how to read food label cut down on portion, understand the food pyramids and eat smaller bite at smaller pace is generally the information given to change the child eating habit. 


   Physical activities ;

  Another form of treating obesity in children increasing physical activities. Physical activities is an Important long term for children as studies indicate that inactive in childhood has been link to sedentary adult lifestyle. Increasing physical activities can decrease or atleast slow the increase in fatty tissues in children affected by obesity . The US surgeon Gena recommends that children get atleast 60 minutes per day. 

    Surgery ;

   While surgery has been performed on adolescents in extreme case to treat obesity . It is only considered for those with severe medical conditions canbe improved by surgery  . 

Medication ;

 Medication can be prescribed for some adolescents as part of an overall weight loss plan  The risk of taking prescribed medication over a long time are unknown and medication affects on weight loss and weight maintenance for adolescents is still in question . 

  Behavioural modification ;

   Lifestyle and behaviour are established at a very young age. It is important for parents and children to remain educated and focused on making long-term healthy lifestyle choices . There are several ways children and adolescents can modify their behaviour for healthy outcomes such as changing eating habit, increasing physical activities, becoming educated about the body and how to nourish it appropriately and setting realistic weight management goals .  

  Prevention of childhood obesity  

  Whether your child is at risk of becoming overweight or is currently on a healthy weight, you can take measures to keep things on the right track. 
  *limit your childs consumption of sugar sweetened beverages and avoid them. 
   *Provide plenty of fruits and vegetables  
    *eat meals as a family as often as possible . 
    *limit eating out especially from fast food and restaurants . 
    *adjust portion sizes appropriate for age. 
     *limit TV and other screens time to less than 2 hours per day. 
     *be sure your child get enough sleep . 
    Also be sure your child see the doctor for check up atleast once a year During this visit the doctor measure your child height  and weight to calculate his body mass. 
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