How to Diagnose and Treat Childhood Obesity

Obesity in children is a significant medical issue with long-term consequences. A child's body mass index (BMI) that is higher than the average for his or her age and height is deemed obese. 

Factors that trigger childhood obesity

Diet and physical exercise issues are major causes to childhood obesity. Other potential reasons of childhood obesity include genetic and hormonal variables. Obesity in children is caused by a variety of reasons, some of which are described below: 

Diet: Excessive eating of sugary beverages, baked goods, candies, and desserts.

Inactivity: Spending all day playing video games or watching television.

Genetics: Obesity can be a hereditary trait that runs in families.

Psychological Issues: Personal, parental, and familial stress; comfort eating in response to boredom or stress.

Socioeconomic Issues: It include a lack of resources as well as access to fresh, healthful foods and exercise facilities.

Diagnosis 

During a standard checkup, your child's BMI will be calculated and plotted on a graph of BMI growth. Based on their age and height, your child's BMI can tell you whether or not they are overweight. 

Your doctor will use a growth chart to calculate your child's percentile, or how your child compares to other children his or her age and gender. 

• Overweight people have a BMI between 85% and 94%.

• Obese people have a BMI of 95 percent or greater.

• A BMI of 99 percent or above indicates extreme obesity.

Because the BMI calculation does not account for muscle mass or a larger-than-average frame, your child's growth is also evaluated by your doctor. 

Aside from BMI and weight tracking on growth charts, the GP takes into account the following: 

• Obesity and weight-related health concerns, such as diabetes, run in the family. 

• Your child's eating habits 

• Your child's level of activity 

• Several other medical concerns 

• Psychosocial factors such as moments of despair, sleep issues, and dissatisfaction, as well as whether or not your child feels alone or is a victim of bullying, are all significant factors to consider. 

Examinations of the blood

Your child's doctor may conduct blood tests, which may include: 

• cholesterol screening 

• An examination of one's blood sugar levels 

• Additional blood tests to search for hormonal imbalances or other illnesses associated with obesity 

Some of these tests need your child to fast for a period of time before taking them. A blood test may require your child to fast before the procedure, so check with your doctor.

Obesity Treatment for Children 

If your child has any additional medical conditions, such as diabetes or asthma, therapy will be determined by his or her age. Changing your child's food preferences and amount of physical activity are typically part of treatment. In some circumstances, medication or weight-loss surgery may be part of the treatment approach. 

Treatment is directed at children with BMIs ranging from the 85th to the 94th percentile.

It is recommended that children over the age of two begin a weight-maintenance strategy to help them minimise their weight gain. This approach allows the newborn to grow in height while remaining weightless, resulting in a decreased BMI over time. 

Treatments directed at children with BMIs in the 95th percentile or above 

It is possible to encourage overweight or obese children aged 6 to 11 to adjust their eating habits so that they shed no more than 0.5 kg per month. If an older kid or adolescent is obese or seriously obese, a weekly weight loss goal of two pounds may be proposed. 

The same principles apply whether you're trying to maintain or lower your child's weight: Both the type and amount of food that your child consumes, as well as the amount of physical exercise that he or she receives, should be addressed. You must be willing to help your child make the required changes in order for them to achieve. 

Eating Healthy

Parents are responsible for purchasing groceries, cooking meals, and picking where to dine.

• Fruits and vegetables should be prioritised. When you go grocery shopping, limit their intake of high-calorie, high-sugar convenience foods like cookies, crackers, and prepared meals. 

• Sweetened beverages should be consumed in moderation. This category includes beverages made from fruit juice. To compensate for their high calorie content, these drinks provide very little nutrition. They may also make your child feel too full to eat more healthful items. 

• Avoid eating at fast food establishments. The great majority of the menu options are high in fat and calories. 

• Gather the family around the dinner table. Make it a gathering place for people to come and share their stories and news. Consuming food while staring at a screen might cause a loss of self-awareness about how much food you've consumed, leading to overeating. 

• Serve the appropriate amount of food. Adults require more nutrition than children. If your child is still hungry after a small piece, he or she may request more. Allow your child to eat only until they are satisfied, even if it means leaving food on the plate. 

Exercising 

Physical activity is vital for anybody seeking to lose weight, but it is especially critical for children. It burns calories, helps children develop bone and muscle, and promotes sleep and attentiveness, all of which contribute to general health. 

Adolescents who develop healthy weight habits at an early age are more likely to maintain them as adults. 

To encourage your child to be more active, try the following: 

• Reduce your time spent watching television. Children over the age of two should limit their screen usage to no more than two hours per day, whether on a TV, computer, tablet, or smartphone. Screen usage should be avoided for children under the age of two. 

• Don't put too much focus on exercise. Children should be physically active for at least an hour each day as a general guideline. To get your child moving, it doesn't have to be a scheduled exercise programme; the idea is to get them out of their seat. Hide-and-seek, tag, and jumping rope are all great ways to burn calories and develop muscle. 

• Discover what your child enjoys doing and do it with him or her. Taking your youngster on a nature walk is the greatest method to collect leaves and rocks for their collage. Climbing walls and jungle gyms are ideal destinations for a climbing-obsessed child. If your child enjoys reading, take him or her to the library.

If you have concerns about a child's weight or suspect they may be at risk for obesity, it is advisable to consult with a Childhood Obesity Specialist in Coimbatore or a registered dietitian. They can assess the child's growth, provide guidance on healthy eating and physical activity, and develop a personalized plan to address any weight-related concerns.