OBESITY IN CHILDREN
OBESITY IN CHILDREN
Obesity is a nutritional disorder that can be experienced by all ages. We can say that the problem of obesity has started as a result of the high ratio of body fat to the total mass of the body. Parents who are worried about this issue are told that they should first calculate their child’s body mass index. The incidence of this problem in children is increasing. Especially, due to Covid-19 and quarantine period obesity has increased. Obesity has sub-branches within itself. Obesity caused by overeating is called Simple Obesity; obesity that is caused by any other disease is called Pathological Obesity.
The character of the people shapes and the lifestyle comprises in childhood. In this period, the education that is given to the child is very important. Communication should be established on the place of eating in his life, the balance of sports and healthy eating in the child’s life. The importance of healthy life for children is not only through verbal communication, but also parents should show this as an example by having a healthy eating style.
In the obesity treatment of children, it is considered that every child is a different individual and the treatment process is shaped according to this. The diet plan to be applied to the child should match the diet of the family. Thus, instead of creating the idea of ’I am on a diet’ in the child, it should be ensured that healthy eating becomes a lifestyle. At this point, a nutrition plan should be created with the support of specialist doctors and nutritionists. It should be ensured that the child receives the macronutrients that he should take daily in accordance with his age, and these calories should be balanced with the energy he will spend during the day.
Obesity treatment in children is different from adults. The treatment process is a process that requires patience and both the child and the parents are mentally worn out. Here, it is very important for parents to establish a healthy communication with the child, not to compare them with their peers, and to always have a supportive attitude. It will be the right choice to get support from a psychologist when necessary.
WHAT ARE CAUSES AND THE SYMPTOMS OF OBESITY?
There are many reasons for obesity in children. The fact that the baby does not receive breast milk and is fed with formula, the mother’s diabetes, some genetic disorders and, of course, excessive caloric intake and the child’s less movement cause obesity.
In addition to nutrition and sports, sleep is also very important for a child. A holistic approach should be taken to treat obesity.
MISTAKES THAT CAN BE MADE IN CHILDREN’S NUTRITION
The implementation of the reward/punishment system over the eating habits of the child from infancy is one of the main mistakes made. This mistake causes the child to form an emotional bond with food.
Since babies’ tastes are different from adults, making a healthy start in the process of starting solid food will affect the nutrition style that the child will acquire throughout his life. For this reason, preparing the meals too salty/spicy, allowing them to eat junk food frequently, and preparing plates in large portions are among the causes of obesity in children.
Forcing to child to eat all the food on his plate even though he is full, expands stomach volume and causes child to eat more every time.
Conscious eating of meals with the family, without a phone or tablet, is also very important when acquiring the habit of eating.
HOW CAN BE A DIET PROGRAMMED TO PREVENT OBESITY PROBLEMS IN CHILDREN?
Healthy snacks should be prepared by encouraging children to eat fruit/vegetables.
Lunch should be preferred according to the season and no packaged products are given to the child for school. Schools should have canteens that contain healthy snacks for the growth and development of children.
Since vitamin D intake is important in children, it should be encouraged to consume homemade yogurt, milk and cheese.
Encouraging children to play sports at an early age is also a very powerful weapon that prevents the problem of obesity. In addition to reducing the possibility of obesity, sports become a lifestyle for the child and provide discipline to the child.
