Defining Childhood Obesity
Obesity is a condition characterized by the excessive buildup of adipose tissue, exceeding the normal range for body fat. The body mass index (BMI) is the most common method utilized to evaluate excessive body fat in people. It is determined by dividing a person's
weight in kilograms by the square of their height in meters (kg/m2). However,
unlike adults, children are supposed to experience growth in both weight and
height as they progress. Thus, rather than relying on a solitary BMI threshold
to evaluate obesity, specific cutoff points based on age and sex are utilized. In
the United Kingdom, a Body Mass Index (BMI) at or over the 95th percentile is
categorized as obesity or overweight. In contrast, a BMI that exceeds the 99th
percentile is defined as morbid (severe) obesity.
Contributing Factors to Childhood Obesity
Genetic Factors
Five genetic changes have been identified as the etiology of obesity, and all manifest during childhood. Furthermore, although rare, obesity can be attributed to a solitary genetic mutation. A predisposition to obesity is likely to be caused by a complex interaction among at least 300 genes associated with
obesity.
Ethnicity or CulturalHeritage
The risk of obesity maydiffer based on a person's ethnic heritage and the influence of other cultural
elements. Several studies have shown that black and Hispanic children have a higher occurrence of obesity-related risk factors, including greater consumption of sugary beverages and fast food, than those of white ethnic background.
Physical Inactivity
Inadequate levels of physical exercise are associated with a higher probability of childhood
obesity. Irrespective of a lack of physical activity, a significant duration of time spent viewing TV shows or gaming has been associated with an increased probability of childhood obesity.
Diet
Several dietary factors contribute to the occurrence of pediatric obesity. These causes include the overconsumption of saturated fat (such as cakes), sugary beverages, high-calorie foods (including
bread), high-glycemic index foods (such as potatoes), and big portion sizes.
Policy Background
To efficiently combat and manage obesity, decreasing food consumption and enhancing physical exertion is imperative. However, achieving long-term weight loss might be quite difficult.
Therefore, governments in various parts of the world should strive to reduce
rates of childhood obesity by encouraging industries to reduce the amount of
sugar in food and beverages, while also promoting healthy and active lifestyles
in primary schools. Governments should encourage healthy and active lifestyles in all learning institutions, especially primary schools.
Useful Links and Resources
Sahoo, K., Sahoo, B., Choudhury, A. K., Sofi, N. Y., Kumar, R., & Bhadoria, A. S. (2015). Childhood obesity: Causes and consequences. Journal of Family Medicine and Primary Care, 4(2), 187-192. https://doi.org/10.4103/2249-4863.154628
XU, S., & XUE, Y. (2015). Pediatric obesity: Causes, symptoms, prevention and treatment. Experimental and Therapeutic Medicine, 11(1), 15-20. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4726862/
