Dr Prashant Patil, consultant paediatric endocrinologist at Narayana Health SRCC Children's Hospital (India), said overweight children not only face health problems but also suffer social disadvantages.
Therefore, parents need to pay attention and seek help from doctors to change their children's lifestyle and eating habits.
Causes of obesity in children
Family eating habits: Family eating habits can influence a child's weight. Overweight parents are often less concerned about their children being overweight.
Genetics: Certain rare genetic abnormalities can increase a child's risk of obesity.
Health concerns
Dr. Prashant Patil, obese children may face underlying medical conditions such as:
- Type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure and cholesterol are increasingly being diagnosed in children.
- Eating disorders such as bulimia or binge eating.
- Bone and joint problems.
- Fatty liver and gallbladder problems.
- Respiratory problems, such as airway obstruction and shortness of breath during exercise.
- Sleep apnea causes snoring and fatigue, reducing the ability to concentrate on studying.
- Obese children may develop physically earlier than their peers and are at risk of being overweight as adults.
6 Healthy Habits to Prevent Childhood Obesity
Dr. Prashant Patil suggests the following 6 habits:
Follow the 5-3-2-1 nutritional principle:
- 5 servings of fruits and vegetables a day, providing vitamins, minerals and fiber.
- 3 balanced meals with carbohydrates, protein and healthy fats.
- 2 servings of milk per day to supplement calcium and vitamin D.
- Enjoy your favorite food once a week to avoid feeling too restricted.
Encourage physical activity: Children should participate in at least 60 minutes of physical activity every day, such as cycling, dancing or team sports, which improves health and social skills.
Limit screen time: Screen time should be no more than 1 hour/day for children 2-5 years old and less than 2 hours/day for older children.
Encourage family meals: Eating together promotes mindful eating and portion control. Avoid distractions like TV or phones during meals.
Make sure you get enough sleep: Lack of sleep can disrupt hormones and lead to overeating. Children need 9-12 hours of sleep each night, depending on their age.
Lead by example: Parents should demonstrate a healthy lifestyle by eating a nutritious diet and staying physically active, thereby inspiring their children.
