Childhood Obesity: More Than Just Weight

Many people think childhood obesity is only about being overweight. But it is more than that. It affects a child’s body, mind, and growth. And it is becoming more common than we realize.

What Is Childhood Obesity

Childhood obesity means a child has a body mass index or BMI that is higher than most children of the same age and gender. But numbers alone do not explain it fully. These children may feel tired while playing, feel left out in groups, and show early signs of health problems seen in adults.

What Is It To Be

The causes of childhood obesity are not clear-cut. There are many potential contributors:

Poor Eating Habits: One of the most common eating habits children adopt is the consumption of too much junk food and not enough healthy food.

Decreased Physical Activity: More time spent on phones or watching TV means less time spent playing outdoors.

Family Choices: Kids often model what they see done at home. If their parents are not eating healthy and staying active, chances are the kids will not either.

Genetic History: Genetic history could be a component, but it is not the only factor.

Stress and Emotions: Some kids consume more food when they are sad, alone, or anxious.

Usually, it is not one impact. Rather, they are cumulative effects of behavior and routine over time.

Health Problems That Begin Early

Obesity in children can lead to health issues that used to affect mostly adults, such as:

• Type 2 diabetes 
• High blood pressure and cholesterol 
• Pain in joints and early bone issues 
• Sleep problems like disturbed breathing 
• Fat build-up in the liver 

There are also mental and emotional effects. Children may be teased by others, feel bad about themselves, or stop joining group activities. This can hurt their school work and friendships.

What Can Parents Do

It is never too early to get started and it really does help a lot. Here are some things families can try:

• Provide better meals: a balanced diet includes fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, with less packaged and fried food.
• Add movement to daily life: This can be through walking, games, or family activities. Short bursts of movement throughout the day will all add up!
• Decrease screen time: Limit the amount of TV and phone time.
• Talk about health, not weight: Teach kids that the focus is on feeling strong and staying active.
• Be a role model: Kids want to be like their parents. If the parents eat healthy and move, so will the kids.

Fighting childhood obesity is not only the parents job. Doctors, schools, and local groups also have an important role. 

At Sugam Hospital, widely trusted as one of the best pediatric hospital in Chennai,Our child care team supports families by finding the causes and giving simple health plans that work for each child. Because when we talk about childhood obesity, we are not just talking about weight. We are talking about a child’s future.