Obesity has become a worldwide problem, even in children. In 2022, 3.7 crore children under the age of five were overweight, whereas 39 crore children and adolescents aged 5-19 years were overweight, including 16 crore who were living with obesity, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). Several factors can contribute to childhood obesity, ranging from unhealthy lifestyle habits to genetics.

On this World Obesity Day 2024, Dr Rajiv Chhabra, Chief Paediatrician, Daffodils by Artemis, Gurgaon, highlights the importance of encouraging healthy eating habits and encouraging an active lifestyle from an early age. He explains how parents can influence their child’s relationship with food and physical activity, helping them maintain a healthy weight. Read on to know more about it in detail.

Also Read: Obesity Is More Than Just An Aesthetic Problem, Here’s How It Affects You

Understanding Childhood Obesity And Its Common Risk Factors

Obesity is a chronic disease that can be managed with healthy lifestyle changes. According to the WHO, diagnosing obesity involves measuring people’s weight and height and calculating their Body Mass Index (BMI), which can vary by age and gender in infants, children, and adolescents.

For children under 5 years of age:

• Overweight is weight-for-height greater than 2 standard deviations above WHO Child Growth Standards median; and
• Obesity is weight-for-height greater than 3 standard deviations above the WHO Child Growth Standards median.

For children aged between 5 and 19 years:

• Overweight is BMI-for-age greater than one standard deviation above the WHO Growth Reference median; and
• Obesity is greater than two standard deviations above the WHO Growth Reference median.

There is no exact cause of obesity or being overweight. Several factors can contribute to it. Some of the common risk factors include:

Genetics and family history of obesity:

Genetics and family history of obesity can significantly impact a child’s susceptibility to obesity. Dr Chhabra suggests that children with obese parents are more likely to gain excess weight as a result of inherited genetic characteristics that influence metabolism, fat storage, and hunger regulation. Specific genes determine how the body metabolises food, stores fat, and responds to hunger, placing some children at greater risk of weight gain than others.

Lifestyle and environmental factors:

According to Dr Chhabra, childhood obesity is increasing due to unhealthy lifestyles and environmental factors. This includes excessive consumption of processed foods with high sugar and unhealthy fats, low physical activity, a sedentary lifestyle with long-term screen time, and reduced outdoor activity.

Additionally, environmental factors like urbanisation, lack of safe play spaces, and easy access to fast foods are contributing to the problem.

How Early Nutrition And Feeding Habits Impact A Child’s Risk Of Obesity

Early nutrition is crucial for your child’s overall health. Among other benefits, it also helps reduce the risk of obesity.

“Infants who are exclusively breastfed for the first six months of life are at lower risk for obesity than infants who are formula-fed due to the ability of breast milk to facilitate improved appetite control and metabolism,” says Dr Chhabra.

Moreover, childhood eating habits often carry into adulthood. A diet high in processed foods, sugar, and unhealthy fats can lead to poor food choices later in life. Overfeeding, force-feeding, or using food as a reward can disrupt a child’s natural hunger cues, causing them to eat more than needed. In contrast, children who grow up in a home with nutritious, portion-controlled meals are more likely to maintain a healthy weight as adults.

Also Read: How Does High Fat Diet And Obesity Affect Your Body?

Tips To Reduce Obesity Risk In Children

Parents play a major role in shaping their child’s eating habits and lifestyle. Instead of labelling foods as “good” or “bad,” they should promote balance and moderation. Here are some simple ways to encourage healthy habits:

• Eating together to help children develop a positive relationship with food
• Keeping a variety of nutritious foods at home
• Allowing children to eat when hungry and stop when full
• Encouraging outdoor games, sports, or family walks
• Being a role model by adopting healthy habits

Conclusion

Childhood obesity is a growing global health concern that should be addressed early, starting at home. Parents play a crucial role in shaping their child’s eating habits and must be mindful of their food choices. Encouraging regular physical activity and limiting screen time are essential in preventing a sedentary lifestyle. If lifestyle changes do not lead to improvement, consulting a healthcare professional can help develop an effective management plan.