Childhood Obesity: Causes And Consequences
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Introduction
Childhood obesity is serious condition that needs immediate attention. It is one of the serious public health challenges of the 21st century.
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According to the recent Lancet study, three percent of children and teenagers in India are now obese, a rise of more than three percentage points since 1990.
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Causes
Family history, lifestyle, hormones and psychological factors all play a role in childhood obesity. It is mainly associated with unhealthy eating and low levels of physical activity
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Consequences
Being overweight or obese in childhood could lead to several health issues in the long run. These include high blood sugar levels, joint pain, high blood pressure, sleep disorders, high cholesterol, asthma and heart diseases.
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Childhood obesity is also associated with psychological problems such as anxiety and depression, low self-esteem and social problems.
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Preventive measures
According to the WHO guidelines, children must engage in regular physical activity for at least 60 minutes per day. Staying physically active can help prevent obesity and promote overall well-being.
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Diet tips
Reducing the number of calories consumed from fats and sugars and increasing the portion of daily intake of fruit, vegetables, legumes, whole grains and nuts can help prevent obesity.
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Sleep well
It is also crucial to limit screen time and also make sure that your child gets enough sleep.
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Healthy snacking
Replace fried and packaged foods with healthy options such as fresh fruit, nuts, popcorn and more. This will help improve the gut health as well as boost metabolism.
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