Question

At this early age discuss what factors can influence the beginning of childhood obesity (e.g. juice consumption, feeding practices, environment, culture). What early strategies can be implemented to prevent childhood obesity?

Answer 1

Obesity: it is a state of being overweight.Its a condition where excessive fat is stored in the body.

Factors that can lead to Obesity are

1. Unhealthy food choices for example: eating processed or fast food
2. Not eating a well balanced diet which includes fruits, vegetables and unrefined carbohydrates, such as wholemeal bread and brown rice.
3. Drinking too much of carbonated drinks and alcohol which contains a lot of calories leading to obesity.
4. Sedentry life style or poor exercise life style.

Illeffects due to Obesity:

• Can lead to illnessess from acute to chronic.
• Can lead to Body image disturbance.
• At very young age children can develope Diabetes Mellitus , Hypertension, Coronary Heart Disease,Coronary Vascular Disease,Heart attack, stroke and even cancer.

Prevention of Obesity:

1. Assess the general condition of the child.
2. Maintain good rapport with the child.
3. Build interpersonal relationship with the child so as to find out the psychological aspects associated with obesity.
4. Assess regarding the food habits, exercise pattern of the child.
5. Health educate regarding the importance of exercise.
6. Motivate the child to involve in outdoor activities with friends.
7. Motivate the child to maintain good physique and importance of asthetic needs.
8. Educate the child and parents regarding the illeffects of Obesity.
9. Educate the child and parents regarding the foods to be avoided or restricted.And plan a menu plan for the child to follow

• Sugar sweetened beverages
• Excess consumption of fruit juice to be avoided with sugars.
• Refined grains like white rice, white bread, pasta and sweets.
• Restrict potatoes intake and other tubers which has high carbohydrates.
• To restrict the intake of red meat like pork, beef, lamb and processed meats like salami, ham, sausage etc.