Obesity in Children: Causes and Treatment

Obesity is on the rise in America, especially in children. A recent study showed alarming results with a group of overweight teenagers. It appeared that many children before the age of 18 are already suffering from a health problem such as high blood pressure or cholesterol. Why is this weight problem becoming an epidemic for children in this country? The answers may shock you, as it often starts at home and it often starts in infancy.

Some children are born with large skeletal frames, also known as “big boned”. To be considered obese, your weight must be significantly out of the healthy range for a specific height. “Big boned” is not obese, as we all come in many different shapes and sizes. Should your child be significantly heavier than average for his height, then he is obese and will very likely develop health problems, should you not seek treatment.

It is an unfair assessment to assume an obese child is lazy or overfed by their parents. There are many factors involved with obesity, a disorder that a person must battle their entire lives. However, obesity does begin young, sometimes as an infant. Starting a healthy diet from day one is very important to your child’s future. Should a child begin consuming more calories than they can expend, those fat cells build up year after year, resulting in a stubborn case of obesity.

Studies show that an overweight child is often used to consuming the same amount of calories as their peers. However, that particular child is not expending as much energy. This may be because they are spending too much time inactive. With 24-hour cartoon channels and dozens of video games at their disposal, it’s a wonder many children even see the light of day. However, inactivity may not be the reason behind the obesity. There are many underlying medical conditions, such as a hormonal imbalance, that could be the culprit.

Whatever the cause of your child’s obesity, it starts with food. Determining how much food and what kinds of food your child should eat is the biggest challenge. Seeking the counsel of a nutritionist is a great idea. This lifestyle change must be permanent and it must be universal, meaning everyone in the house must eat the same nutritious meals in order for it to work. Treating childhood obesity isn’t easy, but it must start as soon as the issue arises and it must be a lifelong effort. This could very well save your child from serious health complications later in life.