Moms, have you noticed your little one’s movements? Does he seem to struggle moving because his body is too overweight? Or does your child appear to have difficulty breathing when engaging in slightly more intense physical activity than usual?
If so, it could be that your little one is overweight or even obese. Childhood obesity has become a common issue in this digital era. The habit of using gadgets and playing console games at home has led children to lose interest in outdoor physical activities. It’s no surprise that the number of children experiencing obesity or being overweight has increased.
When adults experience obesity, they usually address the issue with a strict diet. But what about children? Do they also need to go on a diet and reduce their food intake? Before answering that, it’s important to understand what childhood obesity means.
Including Malnutrition
According to Dr. Miza Afrizal, SpA, B. MedSci, Mkes, obesity falls under the category of malnutrition. “Malnutrition is a condition where a child’s nutrition is poor, and it includes obesity, overweight, undernutrition, and malnutrition. So, being too overweight is just as unhealthy as being too thin,” said Dr. Miza.
“When is a child considered obese? This cannot be concluded just from what we see. Doctors usually refer to a growth chart issued by the WHO. Regarding obesity, we need to look at the weight-to-height ratio. Additionally, we also need to measure the BMI (Body Mass Index),” She continued.
Effects of Obesity on Children
Excess weight in children can obviously have negative effects on their development. Short-term effects of obesity typically hinder the child’s growth, especially their gross motor skills. Overweight babies may find it difficult to learn how to walk or even roll over. Additionally, obese children are at risk of cognitive or intelligence issues. “Obese children typically have slower cognitive development compared to non-obese children,” said Dr. Miza.
Long-term effects can include an increased risk of diseases such as diabetes mellitus or heart disease. Don’t forget that obese children also have a higher tendency to be bullied at school or in their environment. Such experiences can affect their self-confidence.
Is Diet Necessary?
Children with obesity indeed need special attention. However, children in their growth phase should not go on a diet. Addressing obesity in children can actually start with increasing their physical activity.
“Children need more physical activity. They should be encouraged to move more, not just be busy with gadgets or screen time. A healthy child is one who enjoys moving, whether it’s playing soccer with their dad or friends, or running around,” explained Dr. Miza.
If you want to apply a diet for your child, it’s best to reduce snacks. “Children’s main meals should not be altered; they must still contain carbohydrates, protein, vitamins, and other essential nutrients. But you can reduce their snacks and avoid giving them foods like chocolate, ice cream, or other high-sugar foods. Instead, you can replace snacks with healthier options like fruits,” added Dr. Miza.
That’s how to prevent childhood obesity. So, Moms, let’s prevent obesity in children early on! Keep an eye on your child’s food intake, and don’t forget to regularly encourage them to play and engage in physical activities.
