Obesity
<p><b>Signs of obesity in children</b></p>
<p><b>Does your child have weight problems?</b></p>
<p>Children can become overweight and obese for many reasons. The most common causes are genetic factors, lack of physical activity, unhealthy eating patterns, or a combination of these factors.</p>
<p>The reality of what was once adorable baby fat may turn into a serious health concern. Diagnosing weight problems and obesity in children as early as possible can reduce their risk of developing serious medical conditions as they grow older.</p>
<p><b>Childhood obesity</b></p>
<p>Childhood obesity can harm the body in different ways, and children who are overweight are likely to have:</p>
<p>•<span style="white-space:pre;"> </span>High blood pressure and high cholesterol, which are risk factors for cardiovascular disease.</p>
<p>•<span style="white-space:pre;"> </span>Increased risk of impaired glucose tolerance, insulin resistance, and Type 2 diabetes.</p>
<p>•<span style="white-space:pre;"> </span>Asthma and sleep apnoea.</p>
<p>•<span style="white-space:pre;"> </span>Joint problems and musculoskeletal discomfort.</p>
<p>•<span style="white-space:pre;"> </span>Fatty liver disease, gallstones, and gastro-oesophageal reflux (heartburn).</p>
<p>Each child may experience different symptoms of obesity but some of the most common include:</p>
<p><b>Appearance</b></p>
<p>Stretchmarks on hips and abdomen; dark, velvety skin (known as acanthosis nigricans) around the neck and in other areas; fatty tissue deposition in the chest area (a troublesome issue for boys).</p>
<p><b>Psychological</b></p>
<p>Teasing and abuse; poor self-esteem; eating disorders.</p>
<p><b>Pulmonary</b></p>
<p>Shortness of breath when physically active; sleep apnoea.</p>
<p><b>Gastroenterological</b></p>
<p>Constipation, gastroesophageal reflux.</p>
<p><b>Reproductive</b></p>
<p>Early puberty and irregular menstrual cycles in girls; delayed puberty in boys; genitals may appear disproportionately small in males.</p>
<p><b>Orthopaedic</b></p>
<p>Flat feet; knock knees; dislocated hip.</p>
<p><b>Help your child maintain a healthier weight:</b></p>
<p>•<span style="white-space:pre;"> </span>Limit your child's consumption of sweetened beverages or completely avoiding them.</p>
<p>•<span style="white-space:pre;"> </span>Provide plenty of fruit and vegetables.</p>
<p>•<span style="white-space:pre;"> </span>Eat meals as a family as often as possible.</p>
<p>•<span style="white-space:pre;"> </span>Limit fast food and should you eat out, teach your child how to make healthier choices.</p>
<p>•<span style="white-space:pre;"> </span>Adjust portion sizes appropriately for age.</p>
<p>•<span style="white-space:pre;"> </span>Limit TV and other screen time to less than two hours a day for children older than two years old.</p>
<p>•<span style="white-space:pre;"> </span>Ensure your child gets enough sleep.</p>
<p><b>Check-ups</b></p>
<p>Make sure your child visits the doctor for well-child check-ups. The doctor will measure your child's height and weight and calculate his or her BMI. An increase in your child's BMI or in his or her percentile rank over one year could be a possible sign that your child is at risk of becoming overweight.</p>
