Child Obesity
Child obesity is one of the most common health problems of childhood, which may also have impacts to a person’s health during adult life (usually overweight children have a high probability to become obese adults).
The World Health Organisation described childhood obesity as one of the biggest public health problems since the rate of overweight children is approaching 10% of the population.
More rarely, childhood obesity is due to pathological causes such as hypothyroidism or genetic syndromes, but in most of cases it is due to:
- Increased consumption of saturated fat (e.g. snacks, chips, etc.).
- Increased consumption of sugar (ice cream, ready-made juices, soft drinks)
- Reduced fruit and vegetable consumption (increased cost)
- Breakfast skipping
- Working mothers (considerable impact)
- Reduced physical activity (60% of children watch television during an average of five hours a day, video games, computer)
Effects of childhood obesity
➢ Development of metabolic disorders
- Increased blood pressure
- Cholesterol
- Type 2 Diabetes
➢ Problems in the respiratory system
➢ Problems in the musculoskeletal system
➢ Psychological problems
- Depression
- Social racism
How to fight against childhood obesity
What to do in order to fight efficiently against childhood obesity:
- Checkup examinations are necessary (e.g. Thyroid,blood sugar, cholesterol, iron, hormone tests, etc.)
- Consulting sessions with a dietician for the correct planning of a well-balanced and personalised diet
- Continuous support of parents to the change of "bad habits".
- Daily physical activity (walking swimming, isometric exercises)
- Necessary psychological support
- Disclosure and discussion of the issue with the school and the Parents’ Association (avoiding negative comments, getting more healthy foods at the canteens, raising awareness among children)
Below I suggest you easy, quick and nutritious solutions for a healthy snack
- Homemade cakes
- Sweet toast (margarine, honey, cinnamon)
- Sandwich (gruyere, yesterday's meat, grated carrot)
- Sandwich (boiled egg, cucumber, feta)
- Nuts and dried fruits (walnuts, almonds, raisins, plums, apricots)
- Homemade cereal bars
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