Obesity in Children

Obesity in Children

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28th October, 2010

Childhood obesity in relationship to the Body Mass Index (BMI= Weight in KG/ height in M square) is described as those children above ninety fifth percentile while those above eighty fifth percentile are described as overweight. Obesity means excess body fat. Childhood obesity is worsening in most parts of the world overburdening the health sector due to the health problems associated with it. The cases of obese children are increasing due to a number of factors. It could be health factors such as endocrine and genetic factors. Genetic predisposition puts children at a risk of obesity when there are favourable conditions. Social and physical environment contributes to wait gain (Lobstein et al, 2010).

Causes of Obesity

Hyperphagis is c common in children with Prader-Willi Syndrome a c chromosomal medical condition. Endocrine medical conditions associated with obesity are hypogonadism, growth hormone deficiency, Cushing syndrome and hypothyroidism. Pharmacological factors include haloperidol, antiepileptic, anti-migraine, antihistamine, tricyclic antidepressants and resperidone. Psychiatric conditions such as psychogenic polyphagia and depression may cause obesity.

Changes in the input well as output of energy are obvious factors. Improved technology has made food readily available and attractive thus more consumption. Technology has made work easier e.g. in transport thus reducing the energy expenditure. Exercise is being taken formally by children thus they accumulate body fat. Non-modifiable factors causing obesity are ethnicity, genetic predisposition, more weight for gestating babies, and single gene abnormalities. Modifiable factors are less physical exercise, eating disorders, some medical conditions and viewing television. In United States, television viewing has been related to overweight in children (John, 2004).

Effect on Children

The effect of obesity in children may be short-term or long-term. Obesity affects the gastrointestinal, cardiovascular, endocrine and bone growth. In Orthopedics, there is genu valgum and slipped femoral epiphysis. Type-2 diabetes is an endocrine pathology prevalent as a result of obesity in children related to ethnic groups as those of Mediterranean and Middle East origin. Other endocrine pathologies are early puberty, advanced growth and polycystic ovary syndrome. Cardiovascular pathologies as a result of obesity are cor pulmonale, hypertension and hyperlipidemia. Obesity may cause respiratory problems such as pickwickian syndrome and obstructive sleep apnoea. Hepatic problems such as cholelithiasis and fatty liver may arise. Social and psychological effects include impaired psychosocial function especially in females as they grow. Childhood obesity affects the adulthood because most children remain in that state even as adults. This is associated with cardiovascular mortality in adults (John, 2004).

Obesity may have adverse effects on self esteem as reflected ion body appearance, academic performance, social networking, athletics, conduct and behavior. These children face discrimination, stereotyping and peer rejection common in girls. Being teased about the weight may adversely affect the psychology of obese children leading g to attempted suicides. Some societies such as Mexico however view weight positively as a sign of care and health. Obese children in these countries face low stigma, social rejection and have less psychological problems. This emphasize on the effect of peer, family and the society on psychological distress of childhood obesity (Lobstein et al, 2010). It follows that the society should not stigmatize obese children but rather, it should put in place the necessary mechanisms to help the obese children.

Management of Childhood Obesity

The community has a role to play such as offering guidelines on nutrition e.g. low fat food for children and fitness facilities. Residential areas should have play grounds where children can interact and play freely with others. This enhances their physical activity and help to reduce cases of obesity. Medical professionals plays a role of identifying the obesity, informing the related factors and offer advice on necessary interventions. Schools should ensure that the canteens sell proper food and promote proper eating habits. Schools should schedule physical exercise lessons and encourage casual activities such as walking. They should inform children of dietary recommendations, and engage them in measuring their BMI. Those who are obese and overweight should be put on weight loss schedule with the parent’s consent and rewarded if they succeed. Teachers should encourage behavior change (Summerbel 2009).

Management of obesity in middle aged children involves their acceptance of the condition as well as motivation from the family. Management involves modifying the diet, more physical activity, reduced sedentary activity and behavior modification. The family should encourage proper eating habits and avoid rewarding their children with food such as chocolates and ice cream. Children should be fed on fruits, vegetables and legumes. Wholegrain cerials should be included in their meals. Lean meat, fish, milk and water should be offered in appropriate quantities. Care should be taken to avoid intake of saturated fats, excess salt and added sugars (John, 2004).

Conclusion

Obesity in children is challenging and leads to adults’ morbidity. The family and community should ensure that proper strategies are put in place to counter the problem. Health practitioners should incorporate obesity in their pursuit of creating awareness to the society. Prevention of obesity should be emphasized in schools, families and at individual level through dietary management and lifestyle change (Lobstein et al, 2010).

Reference

John McLennan. (2004). Obesity in Children: Tackling a Growing Problem. Australian Family Physician.

Summerbell C. D et al. (2009). Interventions for Preventing Obesity in Children.USA; Wiley Publishers

Lobstein T, Baur L & Uauy R. (2010). Obesity in Children and Young People: A crisis in Public Health. United States; Wiley Publishers