Dealing with Obesity in Children
Obesity in Children is one of the most controversial subjects in child care.
In Australia, about 25% of children under 17 are overweight and roughly 9% are officially categorised as obese. After a sharp increase in the decades leading up to 2005, since then the figures have remained stable.
That compares moderately favourably with the UK at 35% and is roughly in line with the USA at 22% but behind countries like France where childhood obesity is listed at 3% (though that figure is often disputed as being unrealistic).
Dealing with Obesity in Children
Most Australian healthcare experts admit to being worried about obesity in children in terms of what it may mean for the kids as individuals and the provision of health care in the decades to come.
Causes
It is true that some cases of obesity in children are attributable to medical conditions, medical procedures, prescription medications or in some rare instances, genetic conditions. It’s also known that some populations may be more inclined to easily gain weight because of their genetic heritage.
Taken together though these are a relatively tiny proportion of obesity problems.
It is also noted that obesity can be of shorter duration and may arise before, during and immediately after puberty (the so-called “puppy fat”) or other forms of bodily injury.
However, the vast majority of obesity in children can be attributed to:
- over-consumption;
- unhealthy foodstuffs constituting too high a percentage of the child’s daily calorie intake;
- insufficient exercise.
In most cases, these three things are intertwined and it may be difficult to ascribe individual percentage contributions to them.
The effects
The effects of obesity in children can be serious – both physically and psychologically/emotionally.
There has been a huge amount of medical literature and publicity issued over 20-40 years, highlighting how health problems can arise in childhood and more commonly in later life, due to being obese.
What is less commonly discussed is how isolated some children may feel at school and with their friends because they’re obese. It might exclude them from some sports, physical activities and perhaps even wearing the latest trendy clothes if it’s difficult to find their size.
These factors can have a very serious and negative impact on a child’s development.
What can be done?
For many decades, the classic response was “a diet”. That was often ineffective or at best, only yielded short-term benefits.
Today, a more holistic lifestyle approach is usually adopted by nutrition specialists. They may define a change not only in calorie intake but just how those calories are taken in and also, a programme of physical exercise.
Although there may be some medications available to help, unfortunately, there is no magic bullet or quick-fix solution to obesity. It requires a plan and effort over time that involves the child, parents, schools and medical professionals.
If you are concerned about your child’s weight, an initial discussion with your doctor will be the first step on the road to getting assistance.
