Weight gain in young children is not only a cosmetic problem but also a serious health risk if not detected early.
According to experts, children who are overweight at a young age are very likely to maintain unhealthy weights when they are older, leading to a series of diseases such as diabetes, high blood pressure, joint disorders, and even infertility.
Dr. Pradeep Chowbey, President of the Max Institute of Endoscopic - Fat Reduction & Digestive Surgery (India), emphasized that many signs of unusual weight gain may appear before the BMI index changes significantly. It is important that parents do not miss the golden period for intervention.
According to Mr. Pradeep Chowbey, seemingly harmless habits such as letting children use iPads to keep them calm or luring them to spend them with food can unintentionally create compensatory eating behavior, causing children to gain weight faster.
Worryingly, nearly 80% of overweight children will become obese adults if not adjusted promptly.
Dr. Pradeep Chowbey shows 7 unhealthy signs of weight gain that parents need to pay attention to:
1. Rapid and steady weight gain
If children gain weight rapidly in a short time while their height does not increase accordingly, this is a sign of unhealthy fat accumulation.
2. Eat large portions or snack a lot
Children who constantly feel hungry after meals, snack while watching TV or doing homework easily reflect the deviation in the appetite control mechanism.
3. Eat according to emotions
When children eat food to relieve boredom, stress or consider food as a reward, this behavior can lead to rapid weight gain.
4. Decreased endurance, fatigue
Children who are prone to shortness of breath, afraid to exercise or quickly tired while playing sports may be carrying a weight beyond their body's endurance.
5. Disordered sleep or snoring
Snoring in children should not be taken lightly because it can be associated with obesity or the risk of sleep apnea.
6. Fat accumulation around the waist and neck
Belly fat, double chin or dark neck skin (black thorn disease) are early signs of insulin resistance.
7. Decreased self-confidence or social isolation
Overweight children are often teased, leading to loss of confidence and lack of participation in group activities. This is an important warning about mental health.
Dr Chowbey says that children also adapt very quickly. When instructed to form healthy habits, the body will react positively after a short time.
He suggested 3 practical and easy-to-apply solutions:
First, make exercise a family habit of 2030 minutes a day.
Second, replace without completely banning snacks; switch to healthier dishes.
Third, apply the last screen rule: only use the device after the child is active, eating and doing exercises, a way to reduce screen time naturally without causing conflict.
Early recognition of unhealthy signs of weight gain not only helps children change in a timely manner, but also avoids health risks that last until adulthood.
(The article is for reference only, not a replacement for professional medical advice. Always consult your doctor if you have health questions).
