Childhood obesity is already considered the most recurrent chronic problem among children on the planet. The term refers to children who are overweight for their age and height. The condition of the disease is related to eating habits, lack of physical activities and biological factors, which can cause social, emotional and health problems for the child.
The discussion around the subject goes far beyond aesthetic factors. The consequences of being overweight in childhood range from a greater risk of the child becoming an obese adult, as well as a greater likelihood of facing all the health problems that can be caused, such as: hypertension, diabetes, stroke and heart problems. .
Causes
Bad eating habits, sedentary lifestyle and medical conditions, such as hormonal diseases, are usually the main protagonists in the occurrence of the disease. In addition, children with a family history of obesity are also part of the risk group. Psychological factors such as anxiety and stress often lead children (as well as teenagers, adults and seniors) to binge eating.
complications
Childhood obesity increases the risk or actually causes several health problems. In the short term, the child can develop migraine, depression, orthopedic problems, acne, gallstones, high cholesterol, among others. In the long term, the consequences are more serious: thrombosis, diabetes, hypertension, heart attack, osteoarthritis, in addition to reduced life expectancy.
Treatment
There are several types of treatments for childhood obesity. The follow-up of the doctor for each case is essential for the most appropriate treatment for each case.
- Nutritional education: it is common for children to prefer processed, fried foods, rich in sugars and fats. It is important to always insist on the healthiest and most natural foods, such as fruits, vegetables and vegetables. The follow-up of a nutritionist or a nutrologist is crucial for the child to have a diet directed to their specific case.
- Practice of physical exercises: In addition to burning calories, playing sports releases hormones that help improve children's mood. There is a multitude of physical exercises; the ideal is to find something that the child likes to practice, in this way the activity does not become an “obligation” but a moment of pleasure.
- Medication: The use of drugs that induce weight loss should only be resorted to under medical advice. It is important to emphasize that the drugs do not replace the adoption of healthy habits, such as diet and exercise.
- Surgery: Bariatric surgery, like most surgical procedures, can cause complications for the patient. Therefore, surgery is usually one of the doctors' last resort, when conventional methods have not been enough to solve the problem. Surgery also does not replace the need to follow a healthy diet and regular physical activity program.
Medical help
Regular monitoring of children by a pediatrician is essential to ensure health, quality of life and, above all, prevent diseases and their complications, such as childhood obesity.
