A recent research has found alarming facts about childhood
obesity. Almost 16-30% of the children in the age group between 6 to 16 years
are obese worldwide. These figures have dramatically increased in the last two
decades. Expectedly, 70% of these children will grow into obese adults. These
obese adults would carry a 30% risk of developing Type II Diabetes,
Hypertension, High Cholesterol, Syndrome X leading to Heart Diseases,
Depression, Poly Cystic Ovarian disease, to name a few.
The scenario in India is of extreme concern. Due to rapid
urbanization and changing life style, childhood obesity here is growing at a colossal
pace. This is unfortunate, because we as a nation, were still struggling to get
rid of malnutrition amongst children.
Overweight is defined as
Body Mass Index (BMI) >85 and
<94 percentile.
BMI>95 percentile at a given age and gender constitutes
Obesity.
Common triggers of obesity are consumption of high calorie
food, inadequate exercise, some hormonal imbalances and children born to obese
parents.
Once diagnosed, the doctor can get a few blood tests done
like Blood Sugar, Lipid Profile and Hormonal Assays
The mainstay of treatment is to control weight gain rather
than aiming for a weight reduction. However, a weight reduction of 0.5 kg per
month or 1 kg per week is advised in a high risk obese child. Medications and
surgery are not usually advised in childhood obesity except in extreme cases.
Dont’s
|
Do’s
|
Avoid Sweets & Sweetened Beverages
|
Eat Healthy – increase intake of fruits and vegetables
|
Avoid Eating Fast Food and eating at Fast Food Restaurants
|
Exercise –Physical activities should be moderately vigorous type for
1 hr a day
|
Restrict TV and other screen time like gaming to less than 1 hr a day
|
Encourage Family Meals Together Motivate and encourage the child
|
It is better to adapt a holistic family approach rather than
targeting the obese child.
