What Causes Obesity in Kids?

Obesity is a complex condition characterized by excess accumulation of body fat. Obesity occurs when an adult or a child is above a healthy weight for their height and age. Obesity in children is a serious threat to physical health, besides leaving an impact on their social behaviour. 

Cause of Childhood Obesity:

Several factors contribute to the risk of obesity in children. Predominantly, they include,

• Sturdy Wheels with One Step Caster Lock Mechanism
• Family history & eating habits 
• Psychological Factors 
• No physical activity 
• Rare genetic factors

Health Problems Associated with Childhood Obesity

Obesity in children can lead to several chronic health conditions like diabetes, asthma, and heart-related diseases, besides developing sleep disorders and joint problems. These serious risks can be only preventable or reversible through better lifestyle choices and diet. 

Type 2 Diabetes

High blood sugar levels in kids can damage the kidneys, eyes, nerves, and other organs. Timely professional advice, healthy food choices, and medical intervention can help a child live a life without diabetes.

Cardiomyopathy

This is a condition that affects the muscles of the heart when more effort is required to pump blood to the body. Higher levels of cholesterol and blood pressure in children can also increase the risk of heart disease in future. 

Asthma

This incurable chronic condition is also a major threat to the body as the condition is characterised by difficulty breathing. Sometimes, asthma in obese children can also be accompanied by sinus.

Sleep Disorder

Sleep disorders include frequent waking up, poor sleep, snoring, and difficulty breathing while sleeping. Poor sleep blocks a child’s ability to focus and be productive.

Joint Pain

Joint stiffness, pain, and a lesser range of motion due to obesity can make a child less active and flexible. 

Social Problems Associated with Obesity

Obesity not only affects a child physically but also mentally. Their experience with the outer world can take a toll on their mental health, thereby impacting their self-esteem, confidence, and potential.  

Childhood Obesity Prevention

Healthy eating habits, sleeping patterns, physical activity, and timely health check-ups can keep children away from obesity and other serious conditions. Changing a child’s food habits starts with the family as a child learns only through the actions/ behaviour of elders rather than listening to mere words. Adopting a healthy food menu for the whole family is not only an advantage to kids but also for everyone in the family who fear the risks of obesity. Monitoring the food habits of a child outside the home is also key to avoiding obesity. Encouraging children to indulge in physical activity like exercise, aerobics, gymnastics, and other forms of outdoor activities that involve reflexes can keep them safe from high cholesterol, blood pressure and sugar levels Frequent health check-ups, advice from medical professionals, and medications for vitamin deficiency or other symptoms that can lead to obesity can help the child to develop into a happy adult.  At the outset, obesity might seem like just an overweight that can be easily overcome. On the contrary, obesity should not be taken lightly, rather it has to be worked on with caution for a happy, healthy, and positive life.