Obesity is a term in buzz these days. It is basically accumulation of excess body fat to such an extent which can be injurious to health. A person is considered obese when his/her body mass index (BMI) which is calculated by dividing a person’s weight in kilograms by the square of the person’s height in meters, exceeds 30kg/m^2 . Severe obesity is characterized by a BMI greater than or at 35.
Obesity brings with it a multitude of health risks. Moreover recent research has revealed obese teens who grow into obese adults have a much greater risk of developing adverse health problems including havocking health conditions like asthma, diabetes and abnormal kidney functions.
Because of an easier lifestyle, persistent computer games, TV habits with little physical exercise, teens and young children are most prone to obesity. Many medical tests conducted have also proved that the teenagers who are severely obese are more likely to have skin ulcers, abnormal kidney function and swollen legs than those who were at a normal weight. It was also found that they were more lethargic and much more likely to have polycystic ovary syndrome and obstructive sleep apnea.
There are many ways to solve this problem; fortunately we will also get plenty of books, articles, studies to control this problem. But I feel that the best way is to start on an individual level. For this we must first educate and spread awareness among parents, because unknowingly they are the cause of obesity of children. They should be educated about the improved diet quality that their child needs. Diet quality should be improved by reducing the consumption of energy-dense foods such as those high in fat and sugars and by increasing intake of dietary fiber, also children should be encourages to indulge in outdoor activities which will also help to reduce their addiction for video games and computers. Concerning these few points you can also help your child secure his future and bless him/her with a happier life. All it takes is an effort towards the better.
In a nut shell, I view a great potential of improving a big lot of interlinked psycho-somatic and socio-economic problems- by one key; attitudinal changes by health education.
MIEF contributing writer: Aeisha Vyas is a student of Engineering in Bathinda, Punjab and greatly interested in writing and social causes.
One out of every four children has a weight problem. Studies show that obese children of the 21st century will live shorter lives than their parents due to obesity-related diseases. One-third of obese children and two-thirds of obese adolescents remain obese in adulthood. In order to stop the increase in obesity, it is necessary to take precautions from childhood. The earlier the action is taken, the less likely it is to develop diabetes and cardiovascular diseases at a young age in obese children. Body mass index (BMI) can be used for diagnosis. Body mass index is calculated by dividing weight by the square of height. Unlike adults, the body mass index in children does not have a fixed value for obesity. The amount of fat is different in boys and girls. In addition, the amount of body fat changes with increasing age. For this reason, children are evaluated for body mass index by using age and sex-specific percentiles, that is, growth curves. It is between the 5-85th percentile normal, 85-95th overweight, and above the 95th percentile obesity. In addition, the ratio of the child’s weight to the ideal weight for his/her height, that is, the ratio of relative weight obesity is frequently used in the diagnosis of obesity. This rate is normal up to 0, between 0-120 is collective child, 0 and above is obesity.
Children who are overweight may suffer from bullying or teasing by their classmates. This could lead to an eroding of self-esteem as well as an increase in the risk of depression and anxiety.
Prevention
To stop excess weight gain for your child, you should:
Set an instance. Make healthy eating and exercise an activity for the entire family. Everyone will benefit, and nobody will feel left out.
Offer healthy snacks. Options include air-popped popcorn that is butter-free, fruits with low-fat yogurt baby carrots stuffed that are mashable, whole grain cereal that contains low-fat milk.
Introduce new foods several occasions. Don’t be discouraged even if your child does not immediately enjoy the new food. It generally takes several experiences with a food item before it is accepted.
Use non-food rewards. Promising candy for good behavior is not a good idea.
Be sure that your child is getting enough sleep. Some studies indicate that a lack of sleep can increase the risk of becoming obese. Lack of sleep can trigger hormonal imbalances, which result in an increase in appetite.
Be sure that your child is seen by a doctor for checkups on their well-child at least once per year. At this time the doctor takes measurements of the height and weight of your child and determines the child’s height and weight. BMI . An increase of significant proportions in your child’s BMI percentile rank in one year could be an indication that your child may be at the risk being overweight.
Great post. Kudos on your transparency, and congratulations on all your efforts. To say clearly, I loved the way you structured the blog. You have covered a wide area of the topic. Hats off!
This article is very good for Diet. I like it.