Definition

Obesity in children is a condition where a child's body fat percentage and weight are significantly above normal, as defined by WHO growth charts. Children with a BMI of 30 or higher are considered obese.

Over the past few decades, the number of children with obesity has increased. This condition can lead to long-term health problems such as diabetes and hypertension, and it can impact a child's self-esteem and future health.

Promoting healthy eating habits and regular physical activity within the family is one of the best strategies to reduce obesity rates. Addressing excess weight early helps protect children from health issues in both childhood and adulthood.

Causes

Obesity in children can be categorized into primary and secondary obesity.

Primary Obesity

A complex interaction between genetics, nutrition, physical activity, and environmental factors causes this type. It occurs when the calories consumed exceed the calories burned.

Secondary Obesity

This type is caused by medical conditions or medications, such as:

Endocrine Disorders 

1. Hypothyroidism, a condition where there is a decrease in the production of thyroid hormone in the neck, which can affect the body's metabolism.
2. Cushing's syndrome, a collection of symptoms that appear due to increased cortisol hormone in the body.
3. Growth hormone deficiency
4. Pseudohypoparathyroidism, a rare genetic disorder that makes the body unable to respond to parathyroid hormone, etc.

Hypothalamic Disorders

The hypothalamus is a structure in the brain that helps produce hormones and regulate various functions in the body. If a child has a brain tumor that requires part of the brain tissue such as the hypothalamus to be removed, disorders can occur that cause various effects.

Medications

Some medications used in child therapy such as antipsychotics or glucocorticoids can have an impact on their weight. Antipsychotics are used to treat symptoms of psychiatric disorders, and glucocorticoids are synthetic steroids used to combat inflammation.

Risk Factors

Several factors increase the likelihood of obesity in children:

Unhealthy Diet

Eating foods with excess calories every day such as fast food, cakes or unhealthy snacks will increase weight quickly. Consumption of candy snacks and packaged drinks with high sugar content can also cause obesity in some children.

Lack of Exercise

Children who do not enjoy sports or physical activities are more likely to be overweight. A sedentary lifestyle, such as spending excessive time watching television or playing on a cellphone, contributes to this issue because these activities do not help burn calories.

Family and Environmental Factors

Children who come from families with a history of obesity are more likely to become obese themselves. This can happen because they may adopt unhealthy eating habits and lifestyle choices from their family. Additionally, high-stress levels and poor sleep quality can also contribute to weight gain.

Socioeconomic Factors

Children born in homes close to shopping places such as supermarkets have easy access to lots of food, including high-calorie foods.

Symptoms

Children with obesity can be seen from their large stature with excess fat. Obese children when compared to children of the same age have a weight that is far above the normal range. Obese children can have poor physical endurance and have difficulty keeping up with their friends. They can also complain of joint pain, snoring while sleeping, or shortness of breath.

Diagnosis

• Blood tests
• Cholesterol and blood sugar levels
• Hormonal tests, etc.

Management

Regarding changes in diet to become healthier, you can do the following for your child:

• Prioritize fruits and vegetables.
• Limit sweet drinks.
• Avoid fast food.
• Sit together for family meals.
• Provide portions that suit the child's needs.

Complications

• Type 2 diabetes mellitus, a chronic disease related to blood sugar regulation in the body.
• Increased cholesterol levels in children also pose a risk of causing heart attacks and strokes later in life.
• High blood pressure or hypertension.
• Excess weight will cause severe stress on the hips and legs and cause joint pain.
• Respiratory disorders.
• Accumulation of fat in the liver.
• Depression or anxiety disorders if the child receives bullying from friends or the surrounding environment.

Prevention

• Type 2 diabetes mellitus, a chronic disease related to blood sugar regulation in the body.
• Increased cholesterol levels in children also pose a risk of causing heart attacks and strokes later in life.
• High blood pressure or hypertension.
• Excess weight will cause severe stress on the hips and legs and cause joint pain.
• Respiratory disorders.
• Accumulation of fat in the liver.
• Depression or anxiety disorders if the child receives bullying from friends or the surrounding environment.

When to See a Doctor?

If your child is obese, consult a doctor to determine the appropriate steps for weight management.

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