Caregivers must prioritize the physical and psychological health of the child. If they notice that the child is gaining weight and lacks physical activities, they must consult a child specialist at Medicare Cardiac & General Hospital. The specialist will; determine the cause and provide a guideline that will help the child stay active and healthy.
What can cause the child to become obese?
The risk factors that contribute to childhood obesity are:
- Way of Consuming Food: Children who consume high-calorie food are more likely to have a higher BMI. Caregivers who reinforce the child with sweets regularly are more likely to become obese and suffer from sleeping disorders.
- Lack of Physical Exertion: It is essential that the child engages in physical activities and plays outdoor to maintain physical and psychological health. Lack of physical exertion contributes to obesity.
- Family Influence: If the parents and other family members are in a habit of consuming high-calorie food on daily basis; then the child will follow in their footsteps of them. It will contribute to an unhealthy lifestyle, leading to poor psychological and physical health.
- Stressors: Stress correlates with hormonal changes and obesity. Therefore, it is essential to keep an eye on the child and provide help.
- Use of Certain Medications: Some medications such as lithium,amitriptyline, and paroxetine affect body weight.
What are the complications associated with childhood obesity?
The complications that correlate with childhood obesity include:
- Higher Risk of Type 2 Diabetes: The high consumption of sugar can lead to diabetes in the early years. It can contribute to further complications.
- Heart Problems: Obese people suffer from high cholesterol and blood pressure. Without lifestyle modification, the patient is at a higher risk of suffering from a heart attack or a stroke.
- Joint Pain: The extra weight exerts pressure on the joints and affects the functioning of the body.
- Sleep Apnea: Obesity can cause breathing issues. It can lead to sleep apnea and affect the overall functioning of the individual.
- Liver Damage: Due to excessive deposition of fat in the liver, the patient is more prone to develop liver disease.
- Peer Pressure Leading to Anxiety and Body Dysmorphia: The peer pressure of appearing pretty can cause anxiety, and the child may suffer from body dysmorphia affecting the overall mental health.
What is the role of caregivers that can help the child get healthier?
Caregivers play an important role in helping the child develop healthy eating habits. The caregivers must:
- Set a Routine for Physical Activities: The caregivers should provide a healthy and productive environment for the child. It will help their social, cognitive, and physical growth.
- Include Organic Foods in Diet: Rather than using processed food, the parents should provide the child with fruits and vegetables as snacks and proper meals.
- Keep an Eye on the Social Activities of the child: Obesity can cause stress, social isolation, and body dysmorphia. Therefore, the family must provide support to the child.
Parents who feel that their child is struggling with physical problems that correlate with their body weight must consult the best child specialist in Karachi. The specialist will conduct tests to understand the cause and provide treatment options accordingly.