The Impact Of Child Obesity
March 12, 2008
Obesity is a common problem in countries like America, India etc. In America one in every three person is classified as obese. Obesity is determined through a formula called Body mass Index (BMI). If BMI is more than 30, the person is said to be obese.
Child obesity is defined as a child who has a body mass index that is too high. In boys, the body mass index should be less than twenty-five, and in girls, it should be less than thirty-two. Technically the best way to measure child obesity is through skin fold measurements. A skin fold measurement involves a caliper that pinches the skin on the upper arm to measure how much is fatty tissue. To ensure accurate readings, someone who has been trained on how to use the instrument should do this. These teenagers are at considerable risk of becoming obese adults. As children unhealthy eating habits and poor food choices were main reasons contributing to children obesity. Also lack of Exercise has been a leading cause of child obesity. These children in turn grow into in obese adults. Since a few years there is a considerable
Causes of Child obesity
Many factors are responsible for child obesity such as unhealthy eating habits, genetics and lack of Physical activity.
Unhealthy Eating Habits
The eating pattern is the main cause of childhood obesity. Today the concept of wholesome meal has vanished and has been replaced by fast food/ junk food. Today children prefer more of pizzas, burgers, French fries as compared to salads and vegetables. Children today have a craving for sugary sweet ice creams as dessert and
They definitely do not prefer fresh fruits instead.
Lack of Exercise is one of the Leading Causes of Childhood Obesity:
Obesity occurs when there is an imbalance in calories consumed and calories utilized in physical activity. Thus it can also be said that when there is less of physical activity obesity occurs. Children who spend a lot of time watching television will have a greater risk of child obesity than those who go outside to play. This is especially true when they are eating unhealthy food junk food while watching television. Video games are another culprit. Television and video games are very important factors contributing to childhood obesity. In the 20th century children used to walk
Genetics
Also another leading cause of obesity is Genetics. Parents can also help in determining your chances of dealing with childhood obesity. If your parents had a problem with weight, chances are you will deal with the same issues. Thus it is extremely important to keep a watch on food eating habits of children, and also the physical activity they indulge into. DNA cannot be changed, but small changes in other areas can make a vast difference in Child and their chances of dealing with childhood obesity.
Preventing Child Obesity:
As parents the first and foremost responsibility is to inculcate healthy eating habits right from infancy. They should help their children in selecting right kind of food that is not only tasty but also nutritive as well. Also it must be noted that those Children who are breast-fed are at a lesser risk of obesity. Also parents must encourage their children to participate in various physical activities such as Cycling, swimming, exercising. Also dancing is a very good physical exercise.
Summary:
Thus controlling Child obesity is not a different task if parents inculcate right eating habits and encourage Physical activity in children. It is these little advice from parents can go a long way in dealing with child obesity.
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