Childhood obesity: Serious challenge for global populace

Cases of childhood obesity around the globe are increasing at an alarming rate. If this problem is overlooked, it may have severe impact on future generations. Overweight children have become double in the last two to three decades. Mainly, overweight is the outcome of caloric imbalance.  It is necessary to analyze the root causes of obese child in today’s environment. People have traditional thought that parents and media are responsible for childhood obesity but it is not always true. In present situation, the lifestyle is changing very fast and child is exposed to diverse situation where he adopts good and bad habits. Obesity is associated with an increased risk of morbidity and mortality as well as reduced life expectancy. For children and adolescents, overweight and obesity are defined using age and sex specific normograms for body mass index (BMI). Children with BMI equal to or exceeding the age-gender-specific 95th percentile are defined obese. Those with BMI equal to or exceeding the 85th but are below 95th percentiles are defined overweight and are at risk for obesity related co-morbidities. 

Child gains weight when his daily routine lacks in physical activity and he adopts unhealthy eating patterns. Many Researchers believe that child obesity is the child's fault itself because the child eats excessive food without thinking the consequences of his eating pattern. Sometimes children do not set their schedule properly and sleep deprivation could be liable for an approximately doubled risk of obesity. It has been observed that in wealthier nations, plenteous food is available but it is not always nutritious. Even though parents restrict but due to intense desire, child consumes such foods and puts on weight.

 

Children who make a habit of poor diets and live sedentary lifestyles are under grip of obesity, which is a severe health problem worldwide (UNICEF). Children who excessively nibble may become obese. It is anticipated that the average American eats the equal of a fourth meal every day. With the flood of fast food in market, Children prefer to eat such food. Over-consumption of these foods is one more probable cause of child obesity. Children must be careful in selecting numerous fast food chains resulting obesity.

 

It can be encapsulated that childhood obesity is a serious, constant medical condition, which is linked with a wide range of unbearable and life threatening conditions. Children must have to improve their lifestyle and make their own efforts to combat overweight because obesity in children is an issue with many health and social consequences.