Childhood obesity: Causes, prevention and treatment

Childhood obesity is becoming highly prevalent nowadays and poses a serious health threat to children. It's mainly due to unhealthy eating habits and lifestyle. Lack of physical activity and awareness are among the major causes of obesity in all age groups. The prevalence of obesity among children has gained attention recently.

Obesity is also associated with several related lifestyle disorders, including liver disease and diabetes. Childhood diabetes is also a major concern nowadays considering its long-term risk factors. In this article, we discuss the causative factors, prevention and treatment of childhood obesity.

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How prevalent are childhood and teenage obesity?

Packaged cereals can cause fat gain (Image via Unsplash/David Streit)

According to the most recent statistics published by the CDC, obesity continues to rise among children and teenagers alike. Take a look at the data below:

• 13.4% of children ages 2 to 5 have obesity.
• 20.3% of children ages 6 to 11 have obesity.
• 21.2% of children ages 12 to 19 have obesity.

Alarmingly, 19.3% of children, or 14.4 million children in the United States, are obese, and socioeconomic status and ethnicity are still determining factors of lifestyle disorders.

Recent statistics show that rates of childhood obesity dropped as the level of education increased. Among people with low income, 18.9% of children and teenagers were obese, whereas, among people with high income, 10.9% of children and adolescents were obese.

Statistics show a sharp difference in prevalence among different ethnic groups as well. Obesity is prevalent in:

• 25.6% of Hispanic children.
• 24.2% of non-Hispanic Black children.
• 16.1% of non-Hispanic white children.
• 8.7% of non-Hispanic Asian children.

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Causes of childhood obesity

Obesity is a complex disease that has many related contributing factors. Extra carbs get stored in the body as fat, and several hormonal factors also contribute to fat gain. Children gain excess body fat due to the same reasons adults do.

Causes of childhood obesity include:

Physical activity and lifestyle

Eating habits and an inactive lifestyle can contribute to childhood obesity. Consumption of food must depend on activity levels, and the diet should be properly balanced with all macros and micronutrients.

Nowadays, children and teenagers are consuming more foods and beverages high in fat, sugar and calories. These ultra-processed foods and beverages tend to be low in vitamins, minerals and other essential nutrients.

Children spend less time outdoors playing and more time indoors, using digital devices as entertainment, playing games or watching movies.

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Genetic risk factors

Genetic factors can increase the risk of obesity in some people. Children whose parents or siblings are obese may have a higher chance of developing lifestyle disorders themselves. Studies have shown a significant correlation between genetic factors and lifestyle disorders.

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Socioeconomic factors

Socioeconomic factors that contribute to childhood obesity include:

• Cost and accessibility of healthy food options, especially for those belonging to low-income groups.
• People on social support and living in similar communities face a higher risk.
• Lack of recreational facilities, gyms, parks and fitness facilities in some neighborhoods can be another contributing factor.

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Lack of awareness

Fast food chains often promote packaged goods without talking about the risk factors associated with these products.

Unhealthy snacks can contribute to childhood obesity and diabetes. Public and TV commercials promote these foods targeting children.

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Hormonal factors

Blood tests and medical examinations can show any underlying risk factors that might be associated with childhood obesity.

Insulin spikes can cause fat gain and childhood diabetes; unhealthy food habits can cause insulin spikes in young children too.

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Childhood obesity prevention

Unprocessed foods are best for children (Image via Unsplash/Bakd Raw/Karolin Baitinger)

Giving up unhealthy foods and incorporating healthy eating habits can prevent obesity in children.

Look to include:

• fresh fruits and vegetables
• freshly sourced proteins, like chicken and fish
• whole grains, like brown rice, whole-wheat pasta and whole-grain bread
• low-fat dairy products, including skim milk, low-fat plain yogurt and low-fat cheese

All processed foods must be limited or avoided. To satisfy hunger cravings, cheat meals can be included occasionally.

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Treatment of childhood obesity

In case of severe obesity, it's best to consult a certified professional for effective treatment. Professionals who can help with proper diagnosis and lifestyle management include:

• Registered dietitians
• Exercise physiologists
• Pediatricians
• General physicians
• Psychiatrists
• Psychologists

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Indranil Biswas is a nutritionist and personal trainer with a diploma in dietetics and personal training with a specialization in sports nutrition and strength training.

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