Dangers Of Child Obesity

Obesity is common among children nowadays. While some make caricature of obese kids, others appreciate them and are attracted to them but beyond that, obese children are exposed to health risks.

More than ever before, many children are becoming obese these days but what most parents ignore is that danger it portends for their health. The rising penchant for fast food has not helped matters; instead, it has compounded the situation as most children would rather eat junk food than good home-made meals.

Mary-Anne Gimba, 13, has always been plump. According to her mother, “all my three children were born fat but they always shed the excess weight when they are growing up, but Mary-Anne’s case is different. She never shed or lost a pound till date. Her plumpness always attracts people to her. When she was little, we would go to the hospital and nurses would be asking me what baby food I was giving her, but it was just breast-milk and pap. We are not wealthy yet she looks like a child from a rich home. She eats whatever I provide. She never even has the privilege of being taken to fast food eatries where the rich take their children to. I am really grateful for the way she looks because it makes me happy whenever I see her.”

Mrs Blessing Adams, a mother of an obese 10-year-old, David, also stated that she loves the way her son looks because he attracts people’s attention and people love him when they see him.

“I am fat and his father is a bit fat too. So, I think he got it from the genes. I don’t mind my son being fat because he looks cute and I love it when people admire him. Some of his cousins tease him but I always tell him to be proud of his body because it shows he is healthy and we are really taking care of him well. Among all the grandchildren in the family, my father in-law loves him most because of the way he looks and he is the only child that looks like that in the family. I don’t really see anything wrong with the way he looks. I believe he will shed weight when he gets to his adolescent age,” she stated.

A pediatrician, Phoebe Adegbemiro stated that, “children become overweight and obese for different reasons. Some of these reasons could be lack of physical activity, unhealthy eating pattern or in rare cases, through a medical condition such as a hormonal problem. A child’s total diet and activity level play an important role in determining the child’s weight. These days, children spend much time watching television or playing computer and video games instead of participating in sporting activities like it used to be in the past. Obese children are likely to have high cholesterol, high blood pressure, bone problems, type 2 diabetes, bone and joint problems, asthma, restlessness, disordered sleep patterns; liver or gall bladder disease and depression and they also manifest skin diseases such as heat rashes, fungal infections and acne.

“Parents of obese children must encourage healthy eating habits and also cut down on fast food, junk food and sweets. Instead of snacks, focus more on fruits. Parents should also play active games with their children that will lead to sweating or take a walk together, ride the bike around the neighbourhood or visit the playground with them. You can also play in the backyard and do chores together. We sometimes recommend orlistat (Xenixal), Lorcaserin for weight loss but because of its cost and the risk of complications in the usage, we recommend diets to promote weight loss and they can be divided into four categories: low-fat, low-carbohydrate, low-calorie and very low calorie because a diet high in simple sugar such as in soft drinks increases weight. The eating of smaller meals, cutting down on certain types of food and making a conscious effort to exercise more is the best and safest way to cut down weight. Those with serious health risks are made to undergo bariatric surgery (weight loss surgery as intervention in the treatment of obesity).”

A psychologist, Monday Adewale also stated that, “obesity in children makes them vulnerable to being bullied by other children. Obese Children might withdraw from activities because of shame and taunts from friends and family; they stop wanting to spend time with family or friends. The fatness makes them more likely to develop high blood pressure and high cholesterol which makes heart disease or stroke more likely.

“Overweight children are at high risk of becoming overweight adolescents and adults, placing them at risk of developing chronic diseases such as heart disease and diabetes later in life.

“They are also more prone to developing stress, sadness and low self-esteem. Kids who are unhappy with their weight may also be more likely to develop eating disorders and substance abuse problems. Children who sit too much and move too little are at the highest risk for becoming overweight.

“Parents can make a huge impact on their children’s health by being involved with the details of their lives. When you spend time with your children playing, reading, cooking or doing any other activity, can increase the child’s self-esteem.

“Obese children often display low social skills than their peers because of the social stigma they face every day. Dietary and lifestyle changes are effective in limiting excessive weight gain. The only way one can successfully treat obesity is to diet and participate in physical exercises.