The possible measures that are likely to prevent childhood obesity.
Obesity is a condition whereby an individual is regarded as having a body with an excess amount of body fats. Obesity in children has remained one of the most incredible severe challenges to public health in the 21st century. This global situation is mostly in many low and middle-income countries, especially in urban areas. In 2016, the number of children with obesity globally was estimated at 41 million. A significant increase in this number has been indicated as the numbers have tripled since 1980. The fact that childhood obesity has remained on the rise poses this disease as a serious concern which requires effective interventions to remedy the situation. This paper examines the possible measures that are likely to prevent childhood obesity.
A gain in weight is experienced when one consumes food and drinks with lots of calories and utilizes less of it in the running day to day events. Easy access to low-priced food and beverages rich in energy but low nutrient content, reduced level of activity, and exposure to an environment likely to make it conducive for obesity are factors holding up this condition an epidemic. Obesity at childhood becomes a severe issue since it overexposes these children more risks of adulthood obesity. Therefore, the prevention of the growth of obesity into adulthood remains a priority during this early stage of development.
A healthy lifestyle is essential to individuals. A loss or maintained body weight characterized by a transformed physique is one of the benefits of healthy living as it improves one’s level of cholesterol and blood pressure. Improved mental well-being is also another benefit of a healthy lifestyle living. This can be achieved through exercise and eating, which help stress management and improve one’s moods. Some chronic diseases such as diabetes, hypertension, cardiovascular disease, and chronic kidney disease are less developed when exposed to a healthy lifestyle such as doing away with smoking habits, healthy eating, and habitually exercising.
High blood pressure and blood cholesterol are some of the immediate risks that obesity exposes an individual to. A combination of these two conditions places an increased risk of getting a heart disease. A slight elevation of mild levels of blood pressure and cholesterol when both are present in the body is likely to harm one’s heart and blood vessels. This condition can eventually result in heart attack, stroke, vision loss, and kidney malfunction. Obesity nonetheless offsets asthmatic and breathing problem conditions. Children with obesity are likely to experience a sleeping problem, which results from disruptive sleep apnea, which is a severe breathing syndrome. The disorder briefly disrupts an individual’s breathing, especially during sleep. Obesity in children further exposes children to joint pains and orthopedic problems. It happens due to excessive weight on the body, thereby exposing them to muscle problems, arthritis, fractures, and bone deformities.
Children with obesity are likely to grow into adulthood with the same condition. Adult obesity is, however, associated with higher risks of numerous non-communicable diseases. These health conditions may include heart disease, cancer, and diabetes (Weihrauch2019). There is undoubted proof in recent times that obesity increases the risk of cancer of various types such as colorectal cancer, liver cancer, pancreatic cancer, endometrial cancer, renal cancer, and breast cancer, among others. These non-communicable diseases associated with obesity in adulthood most likely result in an individual’s death if not controlled at an advanced stage.
In an attempt to avert childhood obesity, caretakers and parents provide healthy snacks and meals, education on nutrition, and regular physical activity (Gittelsohn, 2019). Studies reveal that the response rate to obesity treatment is faster in children as compared to adults. Consistent physical activity is essential for persistent weight loss and improves insulin sensitivity, especially to the youths with type 2 diabetes. Physical exercises further reduce the chances of returning blood pressure, thereby significantly impacting diseases related to heart failure. In addition to weight loss, physical activity also contributes to the psychological well-being of all youths. It is supplementary to a rise in self-concept and self-esteem and further declines depression and anxiety.
Parents play critical roles in the fight against childhood obesity by elevating healthy diets and providing an environment for fighting the same. Parents can influence the behavior of their children by making available healthy foods and supporting and promoting opportunities for physical activity (Emadzadeh,2020). Parents are further recommended to influence their children’s behavior by living and promoting a healthy lifestyle because their parents’ lifestyles shape their children’s behavior. A consistent adherence and practice of the measures mentioned above dramatically contributes to a healthy lifestyle living and eventually significantly helps prevent childhood obesity cases.
Based on the fact that childhood obesity transits into adulthood, efforts in preventing it should commence during the early stages of childhood. It is highly recommended that health care workers measure children’s weight and height using the standardized tools on a routine basis every time they visit health facilities to identify those at risk of developing obesity. Enhanced education to the community through public awareness programs on healthy living should also be highly recommended to prevent childhood obesity.