Dieta Zdrowie

Children's obesity - causes, effects and treatment

6 min
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Dietician

Karolina Dobrowolska-Zrałka

Obesity in children is becoming a more and more serious problem of public health around the world. The increase in the number of obese children not only increases the risk of numerous diseases in the future, but also affects their physical, mental and social development. Understanding the causes, effects and methods of treating obesity in children is important to effectively counteract this phenomenon.

Obesity in children - where does it come from?

Obesity in children is the result of excessive fat accumulation, which arises when the body's energy balance is positive - that is, calorie consumption exceeds their spending. However, this process is much more complex and depends on many factors, including genetics, lifestyle, diet and the environment in which the child grows up. The basic mechanism leading to obesity is excessive calorie intake, which is not balanced by the right amount of physical activity. Children who spend a lot of time in front of the TV screen, computer or tablet often have limited possibilities to burning calories consumed, which promotes fat accumulation. In addition, easy access to highly processed foods with a high content of simple sugar and saturated fats further increases the risk of developing obesity. Genetics also plays an important role in the development of obesity. Children whose parents struggle with overweight or obesity have an increased risk of developing this disease, which results from both genetic factors and eating habits transmitted in the family. Nevertheless, even if a child has a genetic predisposition to obesity, lifestyle and environment in which he lives can significantly affect whether these predispositions will be realized.

Types of children's obesity

Obesity in children can be divided into different types, depending on the location of excess fat and its decomposition in the body. Among children, two basic types of obesity are most often distinguished: general obesity and abdominal obesity. General obesity It is characterized by even distribution of body fat around the child's body. In this case, excess fat does not focus in one area, but is dispersed, which may sometimes hinder the early notice of the problem. Abdominal obesity, also known as central obesity, is particularly dangerous from a health point of view. In this type of obesity, excess fat accumulates mainly around the abdomen, around internal organs. Abdominal obesity in children is associated with a greater risk of metabolic syndrome, type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular diseases and other health complications. Due to these threats, abdominal obesity should be treated as an alarm signal that requires immediate action.

Reasons for obesity in children

The causes of obesity in children are complex and multifactorial. Below are the most important of them:
  1. Incorrect eating habits: Eating large amounts of high -calorie snacks, fast food, sweetened drinks and products rich in simple sugars leads to excessive calorie intake.
  2. Lack of physical activity: A sedentary lifestyle, lack of regular physical activity and spending a lot of time in front of the screens promotes overweight and obesity.
  3. Genetics: Children whose parents are obese, have greater predispositions to develop obesity due to genes and eating habits taken over from home.
  4. Psychological factors: Stress, boredom and emotional food can lead to excessive calorie consumption as a form of dealing with emotions.
  5. Environment: Easy access to unhealthy food products and the lack of places conducive to physical activity in the area can promote obesity.
  6. Inappropriate family patterns: Eating habits and a family lifestyle in which the child grows up has a huge impact on his relationship with food and physical activity.

Obesity in children - how to treat?

Treatment of obesity in children requires a comprehensive approach, which includes both a change in eating habits and the introduction of regular physical activity and psychological support. This process should be individually adapted to the needs of the child and take into account his age, degree of obesity and other health factors. Changing eating habits is an important element of obesity treatment. Particular attention should be paid to the reduction of the consumption of simple sugars, saturated fats and highly processed food. The introduction of a diet rich in vegetables, fruits, whole grain cereal products and lean protein will help in weight reduction and improve the overall health of the child. It is also worth teaching children the regularity of meals, which helps maintain a constant level of blood glucose and reduces the risk of hunger attacks. Behavioral therapy is an important element of treatment, especially when child's obesity is associated with emotional or psychological problems. Therapy can help the child and his family understand the causes of excessive food, as well as introduce healthy habits that will promote maintaining a normal body weight. Cooperation with a psychologist can be important in building a positive attitude towards food and body. Family support is indispensable in the process of treating obesity in children. Parents and guardians should actively participate in the change of eating habits and lifestyle, as well as support the child in difficult moments. It is important that the whole family is involved in the change process, which can contribute to the permanent maintenance of healthy weight by the child.

Obesity exercises in children

Regular physical activity is an important element in the treatment and prevention of obesity in children. Exercises help not only burn excess calories, but also improve the overall physical condition, strengthen muscles and bones and have a positive effect on the child's mental health.

Types of recommended exercises for children with obesity:

  1. Aerobic: Such as running, swimming, cycling, jumping on a skipping rope that help you burn calories and improve cardiovascular efficiency.
  2. Forceful: Exercises with the weight of your own body, such as squats, pumps, pull -up on a stick that strengthen the muscles and improve metabolism.
  3. Of team: Team games such as football, basketball, volleyball, which are not only a form of physical activity, but also favor the development of social skills.
  4. Movement games: Activities such as outdoor games, dancing, jumping through rubber, which are attractive and motivating for children.
It is important that physical activity is a pleasure for a child, not a duty. The regularity of exercises is important, so it's worth finding forms of activity that will be interesting and satisfying for the child.

Prevention of obesity in children

Prevention of obesity in children is much easier than its treatment. Prevention should start in early childhood, and even in the prenatal period, by promoting healthy eating habits and lifestyle. Nutritional education is important from an early age. Children should be taught how to make healthy nutritional choices, how to avoid snacks rich in sugars and fats, and how to understand what a balanced diet means. Parents play an important role here, because they largely decide what products go to the table. Promoting physical activity in a child's everyday life is another important element of prevention. Children should be able to move regularly, both through organized sports activities and through free play in the open air. It is also important to limit the time spent in front of the screens and encourage you to spend your free time actively. Healthy family patterns are extremely important. Children learn through imitation, which is why parents should set a good example through healthy eating, regular physical activity and a conscious approach to health.

Summary

Obesity in children is a complex problem that requires a holistic approach and commitment of many pages - from family, through schools to health care. Understanding the causes, effects and methods of treating obesity in children is important for effective preventing this phenomenon. Thanks to the change of eating habits, the introduction of regular physical activity and adequate psychological support, you can not only improve children's health, but also to prevent obesity complications in the future.

Sources

World Health Organization (WHO). "Obesity and Overweight." Available at: https://www.who.int American Academy of Pediatrics. "Prevention of Pediatric Overweight and Obesity." Avilable at: https://www.aap.org National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK). "Childhood Overweight and Obesity." Avilable at: https://www.niddk.nih.gov

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