Obesity
By: Janay Moore
Childhood Obesity.
Childhood obesity is a serious medical condition that affects children and adolescents. It occurs when a child is well above the normal weight for his or her age and height. It is also particularly troubling because the extra pounds often start children on the path to health problems that were once confined to adults, such as diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol. Childhood obesity can also lead to poor self-esteem and depression.
12 Million Children are Obese Due in Part to The Sugar in Soda
Causes.
Although there are some genetic hormonal causes of childhood obesity, in most cases excess weight is due to overeating and under-exercising. Children require extra calories to fuel their growth and development; if they taken in the appropriate amount of calories than they are burning off, the result will be unnecessary weight gain.
Causes of Childhood Obesity Video
Risk Factors.
- sleep problems
- lack of exercise
- overeating or binging
-having certain condition or illness
- high consumption of fast food
-high level of sedentary activities like watching TV, playing video games, or on the computer
- taking certain medications
- low self-esteem
Physical activity.
Child should be encouraged to participate in physical activity, sign older children up for sports or activities.
Guideline for child
- get at least one hour or physical activity everyday
- limit time in front of TV, game or computer screen to 1-2 hours per day
Physical Activity and Nutrition
Medication.
Very few weight-loss medications have been approved for use in children, as the risks of taking them long term are still unknown and their effect on weight loss and maintenance in adolescents is unclear. Orlistat (Xenical) can be used in adolescents over age 12 and works by preventing the absorption of fat in the intestines sibutramine (Meridia) is approved for those over 16, makes the body fuller quicker.