Children’s obesity is a consequence of a series of factors and can generate health and self -esteem problems that last for life
THE childhood obesity It already affects over 3 million children under 10 years of age in Brazil, according to data from the Ministry of Health. Ibge also estimates that 1 in 3 children aged 5 and 9 are overweight in the country.
If nothing is done, in 2030 Brazil will be the fifth country in the world with the largest number of obese children and teenagers, says the pediatrician nutritionist Dr. Mônica Moretzsohn. “We must treat obesity as a disease and, above all, to invest in prevention through the awareness of parents, medical companies, schools, industry and government through public health policies,” he says.
What can lead to childhood obesity?
Studies show that the woman who is pregnant with overweight and also earn overweight during pregnancy is associated with complications for mother and child.
“During pregnancy, the risk of gestational diabetes, hypertension and preeclampsia increases. The repercussions for children can have a low weight (the child does not grow correctly, which we call limited intra-hydine growth) or overweight at birth. Furthermore, there is a premature risk of birth”, warns the doctor.
There are also complications for the medium and long term child. That is, overweight and associated conditions such as the increase in cholesterol, hypertension and the greater risk of developing diabetes in adulthood.
In addition to environmental factors, it is important to mention that genetic factors can also contribute to obesity during childhood, says Monica. “When father and mother are obese, the possibility that the child is obese is 80%. When only one of the two has the problem, the possibility is 40%. That is, the overweight not only of the mother, but the father also increases the risk of obesity in their children”, says the professional.
Damage that obesity can generate in the life of a child
It is known that previous obesity, the greater the risk that the child will become an obese adult, says the pediatrician. According to her, a child with obesity at the age of 2 has a 35 % probability of remaining obese at 5 years, 50 % at 7 years and 80 % in adolescence.
“The repercussions of obesity can take place during childhood with increased blood pressure, an increase in cholesterol and triglycerides, glucose intolerance and diabetes. Furthermore, there are reflections of self -esteem, greater risk of depression and losses in social and family life. In adulthood, the risk of developing cardiovascular diseases, diabetes and some channels increases.”
How to reverse childhood obesity?
For the nutritionist, the ideal is not to allow children to develop overweight and obesity. Therefore, prevention is the best treatment. “In addition to the care before being pregnant, during pregnancy it is important to guarantee a quality diet, physical activity and weight control, performing an adequate prenatal,” says the professional.
After the birth of the child, it should only receive breast milk up to 6 months of life. This is because the more time is breastfeeding time, the lower the risk of developing obesity, they demonstrate scientific studies.
In addition, parents and guardians should not be in a hurry to start the introduction, which should be started at 6 months with quality foods, avoiding elaborate and ultra -processes, sugar and salt.
It is also important to follow the growth and increase in weight through the graphs present in the child’s book consultations pediatric. “Through them we can see when the child is gaining over the expected age and intervening before the obesity is installed”, justifies the pediatrician.
Monica also stresses that parents should be aware of risk factors that bring overweight to their children and act as an example, as regards healthy food and the practice of physical activity in the early years of life. In this sense, this is an opportunity to teach the child to play, roll and jump.
Source: Terra
Ben Stock is a lifestyle journalist and author at Gossipify. He writes about topics such as health, wellness, travel, food and home decor. He provides practical advice and inspiration to improve well-being, keeps readers up to date with latest lifestyle news and trends, known for his engaging writing style, in-depth analysis and unique perspectives.
