CHILDHOOD OBESITY- EFFECTS AND MANAGEMENT

We are continuing where we stopped yesterday with effects and management of childhood obesity.
   Obese children are at risk of having high cholesterol , high blood pressure, early heart disease, diabetics mellitus, sleep disorders, cancer of the endometrium, breast and colon , osteoarthritis ,gynecology problems( abnormal menses, infertility). Others include liver disease, early puberty or menarche, eating disorders such as anorexia, bulimia, skin infections, asthenia and other respiratory problems.
   Overweight children are more likely to grow up to be overweight adults.
   Obesity during adolescence has been found to increase mortality rates during adulthood.
   They have emotional and psychological problems
   They are uneasy from teasing by their peers.
   Stereotypes abound and may lead to low self esteem and depression.
MANAGEMENT
To know if your child is overweight / obese, the child's weight and height will be measured and his/ her body mass index(BMI) computed.
 BMI= weight(KG)
            Height(m2)
BMI of > 25 is overweight while obesity is BMI of >30
The main treatment for obesity consists of dieting and physical exercise. Diet programmes may produce weight loss over the short term but maintaining this weight loss requires exercise and a low calorie diet.
 Weight loss programme often promote lifestyle changes and diet modifications. This may involve eating smaller meals, cutting down on certain types of food such as sugar and fat and making a conscious effort to exercise more.
 Due to the large size of leg muscles walking, running and cycling are the most effective means of exercise to reduce body fat. American Heart Association recommends a minimum of 30 minutes of moderate exercise(equivalent to a brisk walk) at least 5 days a week.
            Culled from the Internet