Childhood obesity is one of the most serious public health challenges of the 21st century. The prevalence has increased at an alarming rate. According to the WHO Globally, in 2016 the number of overweight children under the age of five is estimated to be over 41 million. Almost half of all overweight children under 5 lived in Asia and one quarter lived in Africa.

Overweight and obese children are likely to stay obese into adulthood and more likely to develop noncommunicable diseases like diabetes and cardiovascular diseases at a younger age. Overweight and obesity, as well as their related diseases, are largely preventable. Prevention of childhood obesity therefore needs high priority.

CAUSES OF CHILDHOOD OBESITY:

Lifestyle issues — too little activity and too many calories from food and drinks — are the main contributors to childhood obesity. But genetic and hormonal factors might play a role as well.

Many factors — usually working in combination — increase your child’s risk of becoming overweight:

·    Diet

·    Lack of exercise

·    Family factor

·    Psychological factors

·    Socioeconomic factors

PREVENTION OF CHILD OBESITY

Whether your kid is at danger of becoming overweight or is presently at a good weight, you can take steps to get stuff on the correct track.

·    Adjust the portion sizes according to age

·    Provide plenty of fruits and vegetables

·    Limit or prevent the consumption of sugar-sweetened drinks by your child

·    Limit eating out, especially at fast-food restaurants, and when you do eat out.

·    Teach your child how to make healthier choices

·    Adjust portion sizes appropriately for age

·    Limit TV and other “screen time” to less than 2 hours a day for children older than 2, and don’t allow television for children younger than 2

·    Be sure your child gets enough sleep

CONCLUSION

Ensure your kid sees the doctor at least once a year for well-child check-ups. During this visit, the doctor measures the height and weight of your child and calculates his or her BMI. A rise in your child’s BMI or percentile rank over a year is a possible indication that your child is in danger of becoming overweight.

Call healthboxes on 09091111129 to speak with a doctor for free and book an appointment with the nearest hospital to you.

https://www.who.int/dietphysicalactivity/childhood/en/

https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/childhood-obesity/symptoms-causes/syc-20354827