You might have observed the overweight children around you in the school, shopping malls or even on the playgrounds. We often ignore them by blaming it to either their heredity or the sedentary lifestyle. We do not realize that these children are categorized as obese and it is a serious problem that should not be ignored. Yes, you read it right.
Childhood obesity is a growing problem in many English-speaking countries. This condition occurs when a child is significantly above the normal weight for their age and height. It is a fact that this condition is often caused by a combination of genetic issues but the environmental and lifestyle factors are equally responsible for obesity in children.
In this article we will take a close look at Childhood Obesity, its symptoms, causes and possible solutions. Let’s read on –
What is Childhood Obesity?
In the United States, for example, childhood obesity rates have more than tripled since the 1970s. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, about 1 in 5 American children are now considered obese. This is concerning because childhood obesity can lead to a range of health problems, including diabetes, heart disease, and high blood pressure.
What are the Causes of Childhood Obesity?
There are more than one factors responsible for obesity among the children. Obesity is primarily caused by an imbalance between energy intake and expenditure. It is also influenced by lifestyle and dietary preferences.
However, genetic factors also significantly contribute to obesity risk. The recent study done on the group of overweight children highlights an ecological model that identifies factors like diet, physical activity, and sedentary behavior for increase in the body fat of the children. These factor are also influenced by the age, gender and family dynamics like parenting styles and lifestyles, etc.
There are other factors like Environmental influences, such as school policies and parental work demands, also affect eating and activity habits.
Genetics
As we already said, Genetics significantly contributes to obesity. If the parents of the child are overweight the kids are often found overweight too. The studies indicate that the BMI is 25–40% heritable. This is a significant number and can not be ignored.
However, genetic susceptibility when combined with environmental and behavioral factors do influence weight. Genetics account for under 5% of childhood obesity cases. This highlights that while genetics play a role, they do not explain the sharp rise in childhood obesity.
Basal Metabolic Rate
Basal Metabolic Rate (BMR) is the amount of energy expended by an individual at rest in order to maintain basic bodily functions such as breathing, circulation, and cell production. It represents the minimum amount of energy required to keep the body functioning while at rest. BMR is influenced by factors such as age, weight, height, and muscle mass, with higher muscle mass typically resulting in a higher BMR. Knowing one’s BMR is important for creating a personalized diet and exercise plan to effectively manage weight and overall health.
Basal metabolic rate (BMR) accounts for 60% of total energy use in sedentary adults. It’s been suggested that obese individuals may have lower BMRs. However, these differences are unlikely to explain the increasing obesity rates.
Conclusion
By addressing the root causes of childhood obesity and promoting healthy lifestyles, we can help ensure that children grow up to be happy, healthy adults.
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