Childhood Obesity
Vast numbers have words have been written on this subject over the past 100 years.
Some theories and explanations come and go in popularity. Even more variable are the proposed solutions.
Even so, the vast majority of medical experts agree that obese children are at a much higher risk of various forms of illness, both in their present and future lives.
What does ‘obese’ mean?
Many medical professionals have graphs showing what are now accepted to be average healthy weight/height ratios. These may vary depending upon your DNA heritage.
Once a child goes above those averages, they’ll be deemed “overweight”. If their weight passes a percentage threshold above the average, they may be stated to be “obese” in medical terms.
In terms of medical risk, it’s more serious for a child to be obese than overweight.
The exact threshold between overweight and obese may vary slightly between health authorities. Your doctor or nurse will be happy to clarify.
Why does this matter?
There is now irrefutable scientific evidence that links a greater tendency towards some types of serious illness, with being obese.
Why do children become obese?
In a typically very small percentage of cases, obesity in children arises for complex reasons that might, in part, be beyond the child’s control or that of their parents. Those cases might include:
- some medical conditions and/or medications being taken;
- a DNA pre-disposition towards putting on weight much more easily than other children (the exact causes and mechanics of this are not fully understood). This can sometimes be seen by studying the DNA heritage population the child is part of.
Although these causes are somewhat ‘natural’, there are options available to help.
However, almost every medical professional has experienced parents attributing their child’s obesity to the above issues when in fact, the real causes are more mundane.
The real causes are typically very simple:
- the child is consuming more food than their body needs in calorie terms, with the excess being stored by their body as fat;
- the number of calories the body needs varies depending upon how much energy it is burning. Obese children are not burning enough calories to consume those being taken in through food. So, a surplus arises and this creates fat storage;
- the type of food being consumed is not sufficiently healthy and contains a high number of calories relative to either its quantities or its nutritional value. Sometimes called the “junk food” syndrome, eating the wrong types of food can result in children rapidly gaining weight even though the quantities of food they’re consuming appears relatively modest.
In reality, many obese children suffer from a combination of these factors.
What can be done to help obese children?
In some severe cases, medical intervention and special diets or even medication may be required.
Fortunately, in the vast majority of cases, parents can address these issues relatively easily:
- familiarise yourself with healthy weights and daily recommendations for calorie intake. These will of course vary by age and also sex;
- weigh your child regularly, without giving them a complex. Make it fun;
- make sure your child is offered only healthy foodstuffs, cutting out altogether (or keeping as an odd treat) products known to offer empty calories and highly processed fats. Your doctor or nurse will be pleased to offer advice as to specifics. This is always easier if you start your child eating healthily from their earliest days;
- explain to your child about healthy and non-healthy foodstuffs;
- make sure that the child is encouraged to participate in lots of outdoor activities and exercise – particularly in physical sports. As a consequence, control and reduce their inactive and recreational screen time;
- remove snacks between meals or at least, ensure they’re modest and again only comprising healthy options;
- finally, keep control of your child’s food-chain. There is little point in following the best practices for the evening meal if your child is being offered large quantities of junk food at lunchtime by a care provider.
