Obesity
<p><b>What causes childhood obesity?</b></p>
<p>Obesity in children can occur for various reasons. Genetic factors, lack of physical exercise, poor eating habits, or a combination of these factors. Sometimes being overweight can be caused by a medical issue, like a hormonal imbalance.</p>
<p>Obese children have a body mass index (BMI) that's the same as or greater than 95 % of their peers. A BMI is a measurement that's used to assess your “weight status.”</p>
<p>Your BMI is determined by your height and weight. Your gender and age are then used to estimate your BMI percentile (where your BMI number sits in comparison to other people).</p>
<p><b>What are the risk factors?</b></p>
<p>Here are 6 factors, most of which operate in combination, raise your child's risk of being overweight:</p>
<p><b>Lack of physical activity</b></p>
<p>Physically inactive activities like watching television or playing video games add to the condition as well. Ads for unhealthy meals are frequently seen on television shows.</p>
<p>Active play should be done many times a day for children aged 2 to 5. Older children and teenagers should engage in at least one hour of moderate to strenuous activity each day, including aerobic and muscle and bone strengthening exercises.</p>
<p><b>Genetics</b></p>
<p>Weight gain in children can be influenced by genetics. Our genes play a role in determining our body shape as well as how we store and burn fat. However, genes alone can't account for obesity.</p>
<p>People who grow up in the same household have comparable eating habits, levels of physical activity, and attitudes regarding obesity. If one or both parents are overweight or obese, the odds of their child being overweight or obese rise.</p>
<p><b>Dieting and lifestyle</b></p>
<p>From fat-filled fast foods to processed and pre-packaged meals, much of what we eat is quick and easy. There's growing evidence that sugary beverages, like fruit juices and sports drinks, are to blame for obesity.</p>
<p><b>Socioeconomic factors</b></p>
<p>Some people have limited resources and access to grocery stores. As a result, they may opt for shelf-stable convenience items like frozen dinners, crackers, and biscuits.</p>
<p><b>Psychological factors</b></p>
<p>Personal, parental, and family stress can all contribute to a child's obesity risk. Some children binge eat to deal with difficulties or emotions like anxiety, or boredom. It's possible that their parents share similar tendencies.</p>
<p><b>Certain medications</b></p>
<p>Some pharmaceutical medications have been linked to an increased risk of obesity.</p>
<p><b>How to prevent child obesity?</b></p>
<p><b>•</b><span style="white-space:pre;"><b> </b></span><b>Have nutritious snacks on hand. </b>Air-popped popcorn without butter, fruits with low-fat yogurt, baby carrots with hummus, and whole-grain cereal with low-fat milk are all good choices.</p>
<p><b>•</b><span style="white-space:pre;"><b> </b></span><b>Try new foods multiple times.</b> Don't be disheartened if your child doesn't take to a new meal right away. To gain acceptance of a meal, it generally requires several exposures.</p>
<p><b>•</b><span style="white-space:pre;"><b> </b></span><b>Make sure your child receives adequate rest. </b>Obesity may be increased by getting too little sleep. Sleep deprivation can lead to hormonal abnormalities, which can result in an increase in hunger.</p>
<p><b>•</b><span style="white-space:pre;"><b> </b></span><b>Choose non-food incentives.</b> It's a poor idea to promise sugar in exchange for good conduct.</p>
<p><b>•</b><span style="white-space:pre;"><b> </b></span><b>Set a good example. </b>Make healthy diet and frequent exercise a family affair. No one will feel left out, and everyone will benefit.</p>
