Rates of Childhood Obesity

obesity in children

Food is a necessity, but it’s also a cultural trait among us all around the world. For some ethnic cultures, certain food is sacred including shewbread used on the Holy Sabbath in many Hebrew cultures. More importantly, humans must eat food to sustain themselves. What is your favorite food?

Although, most of us love indulging in food. Too much of anything can be bad for us. Recent online pharmacy reviews 2022 articles have done in-depth commentary on certain foods many people are eating causing them to suffer from many illnesses and diseases. For example, too much salt for older adults can result in high blood pressure or heart disease.

How Can Food Impact?

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), “19.7% of all children in the United States are diagnosed with obesity.” Our children are suffering from many illnesses and diseases because of a poor diet.

obesity by 2030

As parents, we strive to feed our children healthily. It’s a top priority, but it’s not always the case. Kids develop their own appetite for certain food and drinks outside of what they’re fed at the dinner table. In fact, the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) has a daily recommended food chart for both adults and children recommending the daily amount of food and vegetables to stay healthy, but many people find it hard to follow.

What is Childhood Obesity?

“Childhood obesity is a serious medical condition that creates extra weight for children and adolescence,” as reported by the Mayo Clinic. However, just because a child is overweight, it doesn’t mean they’re obese. Some children have larger body frames which cause them to carry a few extra pounds. In scientific terms, they have a significantly higher body mass index (BMI). Childhood obesity can last for a few months or throughout adolescence. Talk to your doctor if you believe your child is suffering from obesity.

obesity

What is Culprit?

Research suggests that childhood obesity is from decreased physical activity and a poor diet. The truth is, new technology, social distancing, and an unhealthy diet have played a role in increased childhood obesity. As a result of obesity, children suffer from adult illnesses like high cholesterol or diabetes.

causes of obesity

The illnesses caused by obesity can follow your child into adulthood. If you suspect your child is suffering from obesity, one of the best defenses is early diagnosis and treatment. Another important tip against obesity starts at home by making sure your child is choosing and sustaining a healthy diet.

How Can Obesity Affect Child?

Obesity can have a psychological impact on your child, but there will always be physical side effects as a result of the condition. Oftentimes, low self-esteem can also make it harder to combat childhood obesity.

The extra weight on a child will cause the child to refrain or distance themselves from others, and avoid social settings, or outdoor activities which results in less exercise. The medical conditions associated with childhood obesity increase with the diagnosis of your child.

effects

The symptoms of obesity in children are caused by factors including:

  • socio-economic status, poor diet
  • psychological condition, medication
  • decreased activity/exercise
  • excess sugary drinks/snacks
  • certain meat, social discomfort, early puberty

If your child is subject to any of the following conditions and showing signs of obesity, you should talk to your doctor as soon as possible. Recent online pharmacy reviews 2022 articles can also provide additional information on how to fight against childhood obesity.

Take a look at the short video clip to learn more about obesity in children.

How is Obesity Diagnosed?

A doctor will determine your child’s BMI against the current BMI chart for their age and suggested weight. The BMI chart will determine if your child is impacted by obesity according to age and height. Your doctor can also diagnose and treat the physical and mental side effects of obesity. 

diagnosis

Childhood obesity occurs in children and adolescents between the ages of 2-19. A child impacted by obesity may become co-morbid which is a severe form of childhood health issue.

Protect Child against Obesity

As a parent, you’re adamant about preventing or reversing obesity in your child. Oftentimes, lifestyle changes are recommended. Your child may be asked to change their diet and exercise. To change your diet, sugary drinks and snacks should be replaced with fruit. 

vegetable sandwiches

For example, send your child to school with water, healthy fruit, and vegetables instead of sugary sodas and snacks. If you want more control over what your child is eating, use breakfast and dinner as an opportunity to improve their diet. More importantly, a doctor can treat the underlining conditions of obesity including high blood pressure, shortness of breath, weight gain, high cholesterol, overeating, etc. See online pharmacy reviews 2022 results for more details on childhood obesity. 

Is your child eating a significant amount of fast food? Fast food is a major contributor to obesity. Encourage your child to choose healthier snack options. Talk to your doctor about a unique diet for your child. 

In fact, after a snack, encourage your child to increase their physical activity by taking a walk or participating in sports or other physical activities. You can also assert positive reinforcement by rewarding your child for eating healthier or meeting specific health goals.

Conclusion

Obesity can impact your child in many ways. As a serious health condition, it’s one that should never be ignored. Oftentimes, the assistance of a parent and a doctor are used to manage and treat childhood obesity. Your child may not even be aware they have a problem with food. 

advice for parents

They depend on their parents to get an early diagnosis and treatment options for their medical issues. More importantly, be willing to lead by example. Parents should be eating healthy and exercising more whenever possible alongside their children. Talk to your doctor about childhood obesity today. 

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