5:26 AM
CHILDHOOD OBESITY
Today, kids are spending more time in front of the TV, computer or video game console than playing outdoors. They have turned into couch potatoes. Also, working parents are usually too busy to prepare nutritious meals at home. Such an unhealthy lifestyle has led to childhood obesity, which has become an epidemic. An estimated 22 million children are overweight worldwide. A study conducted by The All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi, amongst the age group of 14 and 18, 17 per cent of children are said to be obese.
OBESITY CAUSE
Although there are some genetic and hormonal causes of childhood obesity,most of the time it is caused by kids eating too much and exercising too little. According to Reshma Nayak, lead researcher of a study carried out by Bangalore-based EduSports, a sports management agency, due to the constantly changing lifestyle, children have become more passive.The space constraints that exist in the cities today have left the children with no opportunity to play and this has reduced their immunity towards many health hazards.
CHILDREN AT HEALTH RISKS
Childhood obesity is troubling, particularly because the extra kilos lead to health problems such as diabetes,high blood pressure, high cholesterol, respiratory problems,sleep disorders,eating disorders and many more. Endocrinologist Dr Shehzad Topiwala from Florida, USA, says, “Obese children are at a much greater risk of growing into obese adults. They may experience fatigue and emotional problems such as low self-esteem and lack of confidence”.
IS YOUR CHILD OBESE?
Being overweight is different from being obese. Generally, both obesity and being overweight means that your child’s weight is greater than what is considered healthy for his or her height. Children grow at different rates so it is difficult to know whether your child is obese or overweight. Using your child’s body mass index (BMI),your doctor would determine if your child’s weight is a concern.
