Question

What are some effects of children being obese? What are some ways that society, schools or parents can try to decrease the number of children being obese? You might also comment on whether it is really the job of society to decrease the obesity of children.

Answer 1

Obesity in children is a serious health issue globally. A child is considered obese if he is above the normal weight for his age and height.

Some of the effects of obesity on children’s health includes :

• Hypertension and hypercholesterolemia increasing the risk of cardiovascular diseases.
• Increased risk of developing diabetes
• Indigestion
• Other gastrointestinal diseases like acidity and gastro oesophageal reflux
• Breathing difficulties
• Musculoskeletal disorders
• Fatty liver
• Increased risks of gallstones
• Psychological problems like low self esteem and confidence

The society, school and parents can help deal with child obesity in following ways :

• Encouraging children to eat healthy, balanced diet with all essential micro and macro nitrients.
• Encourage children to prefer home cooked fresh food over the outside junk packed foods
• Encourage children to eat more dairy products, green vegetables and protein rich food and cut down on high carbohydrate fatty food.
• Stay away from excess sugar, bottled drinks and soda
• Educate children about harmful effects of smoking, alcohol and drug abuse
• Encourage children to exercise daily. Ask them to opt one outdoor sport and play it daily.