Obesity means that an individual's weight is much higher than the normal range for their gender, age and height. While obesity used to be an "adult" problem, it has now found its way to children. An alarmingly high and increasing number of children are becoming obese due to various factors working in combination. Here is a look at some of the risk factors of childhood obesity than can lead to a very unhealthy childhood and adult life if not kept in check.
1.Diet: It is one of the most influential factors that affects childhood obesity. Children who eat high calorie foods like fast foods, aerated drinks high in sugar, packed foods, baked goodies and too many sweets are more likely to get obese from a younger age. Despite the high calories the food, the nutrition in these food is not enough. Quite the contrary, such foods provide more calories and less nutrition than the children required intake for a healthy body. Thanks to the advertising that the children are exposed to, their natural inclination is towards packed, fried, baked and sugar loaded junk food.
2.Lack of Exercise: Children spending more than 3 hours in front of the tv per day a week are more likely to become obese due to lack of adequate exercise. Similarly, at least 60 minutes of physical activities are required to maintain a healthy body weight. Kids spending more time in sedentary activities are more prone to obesity due to the major difference between the calorie intake and the number of calories burnt through the day. These days children's idea of playing has become a video game and going out doors is becoming increasingly rare.
3.Family Factors: Children with obese parents are at a higher risk of obesity due to family factors both genetic and the lifestyle. It becomes difficult to provide a healthy lifestyle to a child when the parents themselves have troubles managing their own health issues. In many homes across India a chubby child is a sign of a financially well off and healthy family. At times children become victims of adults trying to cope with their own issues leading the child to be over fed or regularly fed on fast food leading to obesity at an early age.
4.Psychological factors: Many children take to binge eating due to emotional issues. These tendencies are usually passed on to the child by observing the parents from a young age. Additionally, even advertising and media influence their behavior and lifestyle. Most kids tend to eat and over eat when they find it difficult to manage their emotions or are feeling bored or stressed.
5.Socio Economic factors: Lack of access to financial and material resources required to maintain a healthy lifestyle add to the risk childhood obesity in kids. In urban cities children barely have any space to play or exercise. Even when such places are created, they come with a premium charge at times. In other places, safety of children is also a hurdle wherein they are forced to stay in a restricted area without adequate place to play.
