Only a few conditions have a detrimental effect on the physical and psychological aspects of children, and child obesity is one of them. It similarly affects adults and kids. Besides preventing the child from participating in various sports activities, it also comes with health heralds, including diabetes earlier known to spoil adults. Still, now it is common in kids too.

Thanks to the current pandemic, the kids couldn’t play or participate in physical activities, and the same has affected their physical wellbeing. Kids who are obese tend to have low self-esteem, which stops them from being confident in whatever they choose to do. Some kids don’t even participate in school or ask queries in the classroom.  The majority of them would just sit in some corner away from their peers’ eyesight, fearing ridicule. 

Blood pressure is one of the severe health complications that usually follow childhood obesity, and it ideally crosses the acceptable thresholds for starters. Diabetes mainly comes due to eating disorders combined with the inability to be physically active. At times, the kids can also suffer from joint aches as children’s bones could not support the weight.

It is surprising to know, but mental health has a huge role to play in the overall physical health. A child who is mentally happy and satisfied, will always be in shape. However, a child who has been putting on weight and is moving towards obesity is surely facing some mental issues. The problem with mental issue in today’s kids is very commonly prevalent. This is because the world today has become extremely competitive, and each day it is becoming challenging to strive hard and excel. Children are under constant pressure to perform well, be the best and be an all-rounder.

The worst part is, that most of this pressure comes from parents and families. Parents today have also become a a part of this 

How can you help as a responsible parent?

• Heredity- If one or both parents or obese or suffered from it at a young age, then the chances of a child becoming obese significantly. You can control the issue if you teach the child a healthy diet and constantly monitor the BMI. 
• Sleep apnea- A condition where breathing stops in the middle of sleep, and due to which the child wakes up in terror. It is the right time to check the BMI or get a check up done with a  doctor if our kid suffers constant bouts of sleep apnea.
• Physical activities- It can be a sign of childhood obesity if your child experiences some type of shortness of breath and tends to become tired after demanding physical activities.

What are the causes?

• Heredity again- When it comes to a child’s weight, genes certainly play a crucial role, and at times, overweight ancestors can permeate into the child’s genes, making him or her overweight.
• Improper diet- Overeating is one of the common causes of obesity. The problem is worst today thanks to fast food culture and swift delivery of food.
• Lack of exercise- Kids these days tend to spend more time on their smartphones or tablets as compared to playgrounds. The lack of exercise makes it challenging for kids to lose excess fat. 
• Stress eating- Children feel down due to monumental school Work and lackluster social life. For some kids, food is the only source of happiness. Ideally, it is not just the food but the calming chemicals released in their brains, promising a refreshing sense of peace. With time, it changes to obesity.
• Medications- Obesity is caused due to some chemical compositions. You should immediately raise this issue to the physician if you see your child’s weight changes after following some prescriptions.

Do parents have some roles to play?

This question is entirely subjective as it is based on a plethora of factors. It is not okay on your part to allow your child to eat fast food. Undoubtedly it is your responsibility when your child starts to gain unnecessary pounds. Parents should not do allowing kids to spend too much time with their gadgets and not motivating them to play out. Kids tend to gain weight if they are s too stressed about schoolwork or show some early signs of depression. You need to intervene and try talking to them about their problems or consult a mental health professional so that they can avoid obesity in time. In some cases, parents are also helpless.

How can parents help?

• Change the diet- Ensure your kids eat fruits and vegetables instead of snacking on unhealthy stuff. The primary step to avoid obesity is the proper diet. 
• Track sleep- You need to make some changes, including curtailing sweets and caffeine from dinner if your child is obese and fails to sleep properly.
• Provide mental support- It is pretty tough to bring obese out in the real world. When these sorts of events take place, then it is rather crucial to support the kid.

Wrap up:

Be it heritage or not, a parent indeed sets an example for a kid by eating well, exercising more, and supporting the child when they feel overwhelmed. Hence don’t forget that obesity causes a plethora of problems to the mind and body of your child. 

Learn more about child obesity by Famous CBSE schools in Coimbatore.