Childhood obesity is the most prevailing condition nowadays as children’s food preferences have changed due to the cultural norms they see around them. Today, eating junk food and having meals in restaurants is a cultural norm, which is the main factor to induce obesity in children. Due to facilities, today’s sedentary lifestyles are also the main factor in causing childhood obesity. Physical activity for a child is vital for his physical growth and mental development as he interacts with other age fellows. In this article, factors contributing to obesity, the relation between physical activity and childhood obesity, and prevention will be discussed.
Prevalence of childhood obesity worldwide
It is seen that since 1990, the prevalence of childhood obesity has increased alarmingly. Studies show that the prevalence of childhood obesity may rise by 9 percent in the coming years that commute, with around 60 million people worldwide.
Factors causing childhood obesity
The following are the factors playing significant roles in increasing obesity in children.
Diet:
Eating junk food regularly is the main factor contributing to childhood obesity. Junk foods contain excessive calories but very little nutrition, also known as empty calories. Bakery items like cakes and biscuits have massive calories as they contain excessive sugar. Children’s favorite juice packs also contain excessive sugar and contribute to obesity.
- Family genetics or lifestyle:
Obesity runs in the family, so a kid is likely to gain weight if the parents are obese.
- Psychological factor:
Personal stress, peer pressure, and family-related stress can also increase the risk of developing obesity because people usually overeat to cope with complex emotions and stress.
- Socioeconomic factors:
Socioeconomic factors also play a significant role in developing dietary habits and quality of lifestyle. For example, due to limited resources, one can’t afford high-calorie food, get limited access to supermarkets, and need help to make ends meet. As a result, such children do not get overweight or obese, unlike those of the high socioeconomic class.
- Certain medications:
Children taking medicine such as steroids have more chances of gaining weight.
- Other complications:
Diabetes type 1 or 2 and physical impairment can also cause obesity. Physical impairment limits the child’s mobility and affects the body, while diabetes is a metabolic disease that disturbs body glucose utilization.
Physical activity and childhood obesity
Physical activity is crucial to keep your body functioning correctly. A sedentary lifestyle makes you obese, as many studies show that physical activity reduces the probability of developing obesity by 10-24%.
Physical activity allows your child’s body to burn calories taken throughout the meals, increase muscle mass, and lose excess body fat, hence improving the body’s overall functioning. Physical activity is not just important for children; it is also essential for young and older adults to reduce the probability of obesity and stay active.
Take away home
Today’s lifestyle standards make it difficult to stop or inhibit your child from eating junk food, but mothers can encourage their children to play sports, stay physically active, and eat healthy food.