Posted on December 15, 2007 in Lastest News
Obesity is a common phenomenon among the elders but this epidemic has become a universal problem among kids too. The majority consists of children above 6 yrs and teenagers, and there has been consistent increase in recent years.
Definition
Obesity is defined as “ accumulation of excess body fat.” It is observed that obese and overweight children are more prone to physical and cardiovascular problem. The highest number is noted among kids of developed countries. There are multiple reasons of this type of disorder. “William et al has measured it by skin fold thickness technique and classified them obese, with respect to the body fat, 25% for males and 30% for females.” There are other methods to measure fat by densitometry, bioelectrical impedance analysis and magnetic resonance imaging.
Causes of Obesity Among Kids
The main reason is due to the imbalance between calories in form of food gained and calories burned by some physical activity. The other reasons are: -
- Family- Parents who are over weight tend to pass this character among their children too. This could be due to eating habits, exercising routine or simple genetic factors.
- Physical Inactivity- Remaining physically inactive by watching television, working on computers etc are the basic reasons of obesity. As a result, little energy is spend while viewing and over intake of fatty foods and snacks.
- Heredity Factors- Recent studies have thrown light that kids whose ancestors weighed on higher side are also overweight. This genetic disorder is carried through genes in further generations also.
Treatment of Obesity-
“Prevention is better than cure” Is a well-known maxim. The main aim is to educate elders and to wake them from ignorance. Parent education on proper nutrition, low fat snacks, exercising habits and cutting down sedentary lifestyle has to be done. In certain cases of hereditary factors where things do not work, right education on psychological issues and self esteem can be managed. The treatment can be done in following ways.
- Physical Activity- Aim to burn large amount of fat by entering into an exercising program. Make a practice to exercise 45-60 mins thrice a week. Engage in other activity like aqua aerobics, biking, trekking etc. It is usually seen among kids that this singular activity is not successful but if combined with other strategies of nutrition, diet management and behavior amendment the result are astounding.
- Nutrition- A well balanced diet with nutritious food and by lessening fatty elements is recommended. Manage diet with the exercising program for greater advantage.
- Behavior Alteration- Behavioral change plans with the assistance of adults have shown changes of great magnitude. Keeping a check on food intake, taking small instead of 2-3 big meals, eating and chewing properly, encouraging by rewards and incentives etc, can do it.
- Built Environment- The test at the forefront is to recognize negative areas and persuade them, that healthier alternative is to be made. Amending the neighborhood and awakening them is the best way. Creating recreation facility or club, encompassing trials and walkways are some of the ways.
Remember obesity is a chronic disorder whose impact is on physiological as well as psychological level. Physiologically it may lead to cardiovascular disease, juvenile sugar, pediatric hypertensions, digestive diseases and diseases related with respiration and breathing. While on psychological level depression, low self esteem haunt the mental condition. A good number of potential plans have to be made and incorporated at home as well as school levels. Both can work and can be benefit with collective effort and mutual interaction.
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July 12th, 2008 at 12:27 pm
may i know the long term effects of obesity among children?