Childhood obesity is increasing rapidly in the world and in our country. Studies indicate that one out of every four children in Turkey is overweight or obese. Inactivity and changes in diet, which are common in children, especially during the pandemic process, can bring the risk of obesity. From the Department of Pediatric Endocrinology at Memorial Bahçelievler Hospital, Uz. Dr. Bahar Özcabi gave information about obesity in children and made important suggestions to parents.
Is your child overweight or obese?
Obesity is defined as an excessive increase in the amount of fat in the body in a way that impairs health. The prevalence of childhood obesity is increasing all over the world, including our country. It is reported that one out of every 3 children in the United States is overweight/obese. In our country, the COSI-TUR 2016 study showed that 24.9 of the 2nd grade primary school students were overweight/obese. This rate indicates that approximately one out of every four children is overweight or obese. Height and body weight values are frequently used in the diagnosis of obesity disease. In children younger than two years of age, the diagnosis is made according to weight-for-height values. In older children, the body mass index is calculated by dividing the body weight by the square of the height in meters. However, unlike adults, decisions are not made according to a fixed value. Children with body mass index percentage values between 85 and 95 in the curves created according to age and gender are considered overweight, and those who are 95 and over are considered obese. Waist circumference values in these children also help in revealing organ fatness and metabolic risks.
Excess weight can also prevent a healthy puberty
The perception of “A fat baby or child is healthy”, which has been going on for years in our country, is extremely wrong. Because the most common type of obesity in childhood and adolescence is simple obesity. Simple obesity occurs due to the deterioration of the energy balance that the person receives and spends. In the nutritional history of these children, there is a large amount of sugar and sugary food/drink, fatty or ready-to-eat food consumption. Sometimes, large portions or inadequate intake of nutrients lead to this situation. They are taller than their peers in the pre-adolescent period, but because of the early onset of puberty and the early termination of growth, their adult height may be adversely affected. In particular, the approaches of family members or caregivers such as “It is a child, let it eat, the body will lose weight over time” play a role in the development and aggravation of obesity. It is known that a significant portion of children who are called obese in childhood continue to be obese in adulthood.
Many dangers lurk, from cancer to heart disease
In childhood obesity; Problems such as cardiovascular diseases, hypertension, high blood lipids, fatty liver, diabetes (diabetes), orthopedic problems, sleep disorders, loss of self-confidence and social isolation can be seen. Although it does not always require additional treatments, a forward shift of puberty findings can be encountered. It should be kept in mind that obesity, in particular, paves the way for some cancers such as breast, ovary and prostate in adulthood and can lead to reproductive disorders. Obesity can also have negative effects on the immune system.
Obesity in the parents increases the risk in the child 15 times
Both genetic and environmental factors have a great impact on childhood obesity. The presence of obesity in one of the parents increases the risk of developing obesity in the child 2-3 times, and the presence of both increases 15 times. Additional environmental factors such as pre- and postnatal causes, physical activity status, nutritional habits, socio-cultural and familial factors, psychosocial factors and chemicals also play a role in the formation of obesity.
Appropriate treatment planning and lifestyle changes are essential
Apart from genetic predisposition, there are rare genetic diseases that cause obesity at an early age or accompanied by additional findings. Children at risk for these genetic diseases or hormonal disorders should be seen and followed up by pediatric endocrinologists. In cases of simple obesity, the most important component of treatment is lifestyle changes. In some cases, drug treatments may be considered. However, when these life changes are not implemented, the effectiveness of drug therapy remains limited. Bariatric surgery performed in adulthood is not one of the primary treatment methods in childhood, and research on this subject continues. It may come to the fore in selected cases who have completed their development to a large extent and cannot improve with other treatments, but children should be evaluated by centers with experience in this field and all necessary branches, including pediatric endocrinology.
11 measures against childhood obesity in the covid process
The following measures can be taken to prevent excessive weight gain during the pandemic process, where children’s exercise opportunities are reduced, the time they spend in front of the screen increases, and changes in sleep and eating patterns are experienced:
- Awareness of healthy eating should be brought to children at an early age.
- Parents should set an example for their children in healthy eating and exercise planning.
- Choose healthy snacks instead of packaged foods.
- Food and beverages containing sugar or additives should not be shown as a reward.
- Children should have a balanced diet in terms of carbohydrates, proteins, fats, fibres, vitamins and minerals.
- Portions should be appropriate for the age of the child.
- The child should be given the habit of regular exercise.
- Sleeping hours should be regulated.
- Screen time should be limited.
- Children should play games and spend quality time.
- Children may be given responsibility for light housework.
Source: (BHA) – Beyaz News Agency
