Children are the cutest creatures with their chubby and fluffy body appearance. You pull their cheeks and play with them. But if they grow up with the same body weight and mass, they would be a target of bullying. Above all, being fat abnormally is unhealthy and it starts with the childhood. It is quite possible that your child is a victim to childhood obesity. Childhood obesity is defined as having a body mass index (BMI) at or above the 95th percentile for your age and sex. BMI is typically a measure of your child’s body fat according to his height and weight.
Obese definition
Obese is defined as having a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or higher. This means that your child is fatter than he should be, taking in account his height and weight. Although, fat child is cute but the hazards of having abnormal fats should not be overlooked at any cost.
Obesity chart
An obesity chart is a graph that shows the relationship between height and weight. It can be used to determine if someone is obese, overweight, or underweight. It basically determines the abnormalities of body fat.
Obesity definition
So, in common terms, obesity is defined as having an excess amount of body fat. It is an illness as it is something abnormal going on with your body. Childhood obesity is without doubt, the worst kind of obesity.
Obesity rate in America
The obesity rate in America is currently at 32%. That means that one in three Americans is obese. And as the population is more of children, it easily accounts that the most common form of obesity found in America is that of childhood obesity. Obese people further develop many health complications and can suffer from more acute diseases.
Fat kids
Fat kids are those who are overweight or obese. The kids suffering from obesity are often bullied by other kids and develop a sense of insecurity. This can further become an unresolved mental trauma that can reflect in their later life. So, complexes are developed due to childhood bullying and childhood obesity is the biggest cause of bullying in kids.
Obese woman
An obese woman is a woman who has a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or higher. Obesity is also fairly common in women. This is why we often find ourselves surrounded by fat women. This is a disease and should not be taken for granted. Visit your nearest Walk In Urgent Care and get treated at your earliest to avoid further health complications.
Causes of obesity
There are many causes of obesity, including:
Genetics: Some people are simply more genetically predisposed to obesity than others.
Diet: Eating a diet high in processed foods, sugary drinks, and unhealthy fats can contribute to obesity.
Physical inactivity: Not getting enough exercise can also contribute to obesity.
Other factors: Other factors that can contribute to obesity include social status, economic status, and access to healthy food and safe places to exercise.
The horrors of childhood obesity
Childhood obesity can have a number of serious health consequences, both in the short-term and the long-term.
– Short-term health consequences
Short-term health consequences of childhood obesity include:
Sleep apnea: Sleep apnea is a condition in which breathing stops and starts repeatedly during sleep.
Breathing problems: Obesity can make it difficult to breathe, especially during exercise.
Joint pain: Obesity can put extra stress on the joints, leading to pain and inflammation.
High blood pressure: A high blood pressure can be observed due to obesity.
High cholesterol: Obesity can increase the risk of high cholesterol.
Type 2 diabetes: Obesity is considered one of the main causes behind type 2 diabetes.
– Long-term health consequences
Long-term health consequences of childhood obesity include:
heart disease: Obesity can lead to a heart disease.
Stroke: Obesity is a major risk factor for stroke.
Cancer: Obesity is associated with an increased risk of certain types of cancer, such as breast cancer, colon cancer, and endometrial cancer.
Arthritis: Obesity is a major risk factor for arthritis.
Death: Obesity is a major risk factor for premature death.
Psychological effects of childhood obesity
Childhood obesity can also have a number of serious psychological effects. Obese children are more likely to experience bullying, teasing, and social isolation. They are also more likely to develop depression and anxiety. This can turn into an unresolved trauma for their later life.
What can be done to prevent childhood obesity?
There are a number of things that can be done to prevent childhood obesity, including:
Promoting healthy eating: Parents should encourage their children to eat a healthy diet that is low in processed foods, sugary drinks, and unhealthy fats.
Encouraging physical activity: Parents should encourage their children to get regular exercise.
Creating a healthy home environment: Parents should create a home environment that is supportive of healthy eating and physical activity. This includes limiting screen time and making healthy food options available.
Additional tips for parents
Here are some additional tips for parents to help prevent childhood obesity:
Be a role model: Children learn by watching the adults in their lives. Make sure you are eating a healthy diet and getting regular exercise.
Talk to your child’s doctor: Your child’s doctor can help you assess your child’s weight and provide guidance on how to promote healthy eating and physical activity. Visit your nearest Walk In Pediatric Care for the betterment of your child.
Don’t use food as a reward or punishment: Using food as a reward or punishment can lead to unhealthy eating habits and in turn to obesity.
