Cheek chubby that is owned by an obese child does look adorable. But behind that, there is a health danger that lurks in children withobesity.
Several conditions can be the cause of obesity in children. In addition to heredity, poor diet, excessive feeding, and lack of physical activity and exercise can also cause children to become obese. This should not be allowed, because there are various health hazards that can be experienced by obese children.
Health Dangers that lurk in Obese Children
Not all children who look fat and big are obese. To determine it, it is necessary to examine the child's body mass index (BMI). To be sure, check your child to the doctor. The doctor will determine whether the child is obese based on the results of the BMI examination.
In children who are obese, there are various health hazards that can occur, namely:
1. High cholesterol and high blood pressure
The poor diet of obese children can make children susceptible to high cholesterol and high blood pressure. Both of these conditions will increase the risk of plaque buildup in the arteries, which can increase a child's risk of heart disease and stroke.
2. Type 2 diabetes
The risk for developing type 2 diabetes in adulthood is increased in obese children. The condition of diabetes cannot be underestimated, because it can affect the damage to various organs, such as the eyes, nerves, and kidneys.
3. Asthma
In children with obesity, the risk of asthma recurrence will increase. The cause has not been ascertained, but the accumulation of excess fat and chronic inflammatory reactions in children with obesity is thought to be a trigger for respiratory disorders, including asthma.
4. Arthritis and fractures
Obese children are more prone to arthritis and fractures than children with ideal weight. This is because being overweight will put excess pressure on the joints and bones.
Not only has an impact on physical health, children's psychological health can also be affected due to obesity. Being overweight can make a child's self-confidence decrease. They are also vulnerable to being victims of bullying.bullying) his friends. This can trigger anxiety disorders and depression.
How to Overcome Obesity in Children
If your child is obese, try adopting a healthy lifestyle to lose weight. Some of the following things parents can do to help obese children overcome the problem of being overweight:
Bteach children to eat healthy food
Limit children eating fast food. Invite and familiarize children to eat healthy foods, such as vegetables, fruit, protein, whole grains, and low-fat milk. One of the healthy fruit choices for children is pears. You can also get your child used to eating small portions, but more often.
Aencourage children to be more active
Make sure your child doesn't just sit around playing games or watching TV at home. Invite children to do various physical activities or do light sports, such as playing hide and seek or jumping rope. Mothers can also invite children to go shopping so that they don't just stay at home. That way, the child will be more active so that the calories burned will be more.
Pelots of activities with family
In addition to making family ties closer, doing activities with family can also help overcome obesity in children. The trick, find a physical activity that is fun and can be enjoyed by the whole family, such as swimming or a leisurely walk.
In addition to the methods above, giving weight loss drugs can be one solution. However, this drug should not be taken carelessly. Its use should be under the supervision of a doctor.
Many health hazards that can occur in obese children. That is why, this condition should not be allowed and as much as possible prevented. With changes in diet and lifestyle, children can reach their ideal weight.
If the child's weight does not go down, you should check with a doctor or pediatrician who specializes in nutrition and metabolic diseases so that obesity in children can be treated before it causes complications.
