Know All About Obesity In Children

It is alarming to note that 20% of the children in the age group of 6 to 11 years are either obese or overweight; a legitimate reason for concern among parents who realize that obesity in children causes many health problems in later life and also condemns children to social rejection and low self-esteem in the important years of psychological development. 

Meeting the challenge of overcoming obesity in children requires that parents first understand the causes and then help their children.  

Causes of childhood obesity:

Childhood obesity may be caused by one or combination of the following causes.

• Hormonal imbalances that cause a child either to overeat or metabolize food very slowly and certain medicines prescribed could cause childhood obesity.

• The next predominant cause is lack of exercise even with a moderate overeating; the main culprits are the rise of academic standards, and passive forms of entertainment like television and video games.

• Obese children emulate the example of their obese parents who set a poor example 24/7; sad but true most children emulate the negative aspects of their parents.

• Poor nutrition eating fast foods that are high in calories and less in nutrition has become the staple diet especially in 2 income families. Also massive advertising stimulate kid’s appetite for foods with high sugar and fat contents; this is another cause of obesity in children.

• Obesity in children could also be due to psychological reasons; children may overeat to calm their fears and anxieties, to comfort or soothe their feelings of childhood abuse or trauma, and to ward off depression or suppress angry feelings.

How parents can help:

• First consult your pediatrician to rule out any biological factors before looking for behavioral or environment solutions.

 

• Set a good example to eat healthy and in moderation for your child to follow; children need to be shown and not told what to eat.

• Parents need to encourage their obese children to make healthy lifestyle choices like encouraging them to eat healthy snacks and foods and to engage in active recreation both for fun as well as aerobic. Exercise should form an integral part of your child’s daily schedule.

• Make weight monitoring and weight loss a part of your child’s responsibility.

• Let your child take charge of his/her eating; offer a few healthy and less caloric choices like the choice of salads; do not nag about the child’s eating habits.

• Focus on positives to reinforce good behavior; praise, approval and compliments in place of punishment, criticism and disapproval go a long way to enforce healthy choices.

• Positive comments like, "I was so proud that you took a fruit for a snack” or "I'm so happy that you took advantage and rode the bike in the nice afternoon weather”, boosts the child’s self-esteem and motivates the child to lose weight.  

• Find ways to alleviate the stress of your child; if the child lacks social skills have him/her meet a child specialist who can teach your child necessary coping, emotional or social skills.

Finally overcoming child obesity requires patience, understanding and a realistic plan to help the child adopt healthier behaviors and attitudes about food, eating and exercise.

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