Find out how simple daily care can help prevent this disease and its health consequences
Childhood obesity is a condition characterized by the excessive accumulation of body fat in children, resulting mainly from an imbalance between energy intake and expenditure. It occurs when calorie intake is greater than what the body uses, leading to weight gain.
More than 391 million children and adolescents, between the ages of 5 and 19, are overweight. Of these, almost half – around 188 million – are obese. This is underlined by the report “Feeding for Profit: How food environments are failing children”, drawn up by the United Nations Children’s Fund (Unicef). According to data, for the first time in history, excess weight in children and adolescents of school age has exceeded malnutrition in the world.
Health risks resulting from childhood obesity
Well beyond aesthetics, pediatrician Lilian Ferreira Shikasho, professor of the Medicine course at the Centro Universitário Integrado de Campo Mourão (PR), warns that the excess weight in childhood It is worrying because it can compromise children’s physical, emotional and social health and development. “Many of these obese children will become obese adults. And with obesity comes all of its metabolic and cardiovascular complications,” he explains.
The list of health problems includes:
- Arterial hypertension;
- Dyslipidemia (changes in triglycerides and cholesterol);
- Increased risk of diabetes;
- Compromise of bone mass;
- Lung diseases (such as asthma);
- Changes in the liver (non-alcoholic fatty disease);
- Spots on the skin (such as Acanthosis nigricansindicating hyperinsulinism).
Consequences of obesity on mental and physical health
The pediatrician reminds us that the effects of childhood obesity are also manifested in behavior and self-esteem. “Obese children can present psychological symptoms such as low self-esteem, depression, anxiety and social phobia. They are often victims of bullying at school and suffer from it”, reports Lilian Ferreira Shikasho.
On a physical level, the consequences range from limitation of movement and joint pain (caused by excess weight) to changes in sleep, such as snoring and apnea, and in pubertal development, which can be advanced in girls and delayed in boys. Warning signs for parents and guardians include excessive tiredness during daily activities, depressed mood and body shame.
Pay attention to your children’s diet
THE inadequate nutrition It is one of the factors contributing to the increase in childhood obesity. Nutrition course coordinator at the Centro Universitário Integrado, Janaiara Moreira Sebold Berbel, warns that excessive consumption of ultra-processed foods is the main villain.
“Snacks, biscuits, soft drinks, fruit juice and sausages are foods high in sugar, saturated fat and sodium, but low in nutrients. They provide what we call ’empty calories’ and do not contribute to healthy growth,” he explains.
Another problem is low consumption of fruits, vegetables, nuts and seeds, vegetable oils, whole grains, dairy products, eggs, poultry and fish. “These foods are rich in fiber, vitamins and minerals, promote satiety and help prevent diseases. Therefore, they should always be present in children’s meals”, emphasizes Janaiara Moreira Sebold Berbel.
Good habits to prevent obesity
To enter healthy habits In everyday life the example of parents is fundamental. “Children learn by imitation. If parents follow a balanced diet, their children are more likely to follow the same path,” advises the nutritionist.
Below, see more tips for creating good habits from an early age and helping prevent obesity in children!
1. Involve little ones in the feeding process
Taking them to the supermarket, letting them choose fruit and vegetables, helping them wash and prepare meals is essential. “When they participate, children become more curious to try new foods,” says the nutritionist.
2. Maintain regular meal times and avoid using screens while eating
This practice makes these moments light and pleasant. “Families should define what, when and where the child will eat and let them decide how much to eat, respecting his hunger and satiety signals”, teaches Janaiara Moreira Sebold Berbel.
3. Encourage physical activity, limit screen time, and maintain adequate sleep
Pediatrician Lilian Ferreira Shikasho emphasizes that children should perform 30 to 60 minutes of physical activity every day and that screen time should be limited to a maximum of two hours per day for children over the age of two. When it comes to sleep, the ideal is for preschoolers to sleep 10 to 13 hours a day. For teenagers, the recommended time is 8 to 10 hours.
“The health of children depends on a change of perspective and routine that involves the whole family. Protecting the little ones from obesity is an act of care built on a daily basis, with example, patience and a lot of love” concludes the doctor.
By Marlise Groth
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.
