What is childhood obesity? 

Childhood obesity is referred to as a long-term condition where a child's weight is greater than the weight considered healthy for their age and body mass index (BMI). Children’s BMI is different from that of adults because their body characteristics alter as they grow. 

For children, BMI is a significant aspect of their age and gender. Special growth charts are provided by medical practitioners to identify the ideal Body mass index for kids. It is unambiguous that online consultation for children’s weight management plays an important role in preventing this condition. 

Does childhood obesity occur often? 

In previous years, this condition was quite a rare incident. However, with changes in lifestyle, diet and availability of packaged foods, this condition is seeing an increased trend. Numerous statistics show that in India alone, there are about 12.5 million children who are considered overweight or obese. 

Possible causes of childhood obesity? 

It is a complicated condition influenced by various factors. On average, children eat food that has higher calorie content than the required amount. This abundant calorie content may be stored as food in the body. To find out the accurate reason for this childhood obesity, it is necessary to contact the best online pediatric consultation in India. 

Each children have different circumstances to get obesity. It is not always a lack of willpower or laziness that leads to obesity. 

Unhealthy diet: 

Sleep Deprivation: 

Excessive Screen Time: 

Common symptoms of childhood? 

• Joint pains 

• Shortness of breath 

• Gastric content reflux 

• Excessive constant sweating 

• Puberty-related issues 

• Tiredness after activity

It is important to consult an online pediatric help for constant sweating in children. Pediatric online consultation for child asthma is also important, as it worsens, it increases the risk to life. 

Is childhood obesity treatment important? 

Initially, with this condition, an individual cannot see any obstacles. With growing, obesity is a long-term condition that requires ongoing management. Moreover, this persistent childhood obesity raises the risk of health-related issues in further as they grow older.  

Asthma: This pulmonary condition may be likely to develop long-term lung inflammation. 

Joint pain: Excess weight puts extra stress on the lower joints, like the knee joint. This will damage the articular cartilage between the bones and reduce flexibility.  

Heart disease: With this condition, an individual can have higher cholesterol levels and high blood pressure, which are risk factors for cardiovascular diseases. 

Type-2 diabetes 

Sleep disorders like obstructive sleep apnea. 

How is childhood obesity diagnosed? 

It can be identified during regular checkups using BMI with respect to age. If there is an abnormally high BMI, it suggests higher body fat; it does not measure body fat directly, but it helps to advise additional tests that assess excess body fat. To diagnose this condition, pediatric teleconsultation for BMI check with the assistance of a healthcare professional will improve the quality of life. 

Best ways to stop childhood obesity? 

Staying hydrated can help to reduce feelings of hunger, as sometimes thirst can be mistaken for hunger. Stop buying sugary drinks and encourage your child to drink only water or coconut water. A simple teleconsultation call will assist in online doctor advice for a healthy child lifestyle to prevent obesity since childhood. 

A prolonged period of time involved in movies, TV shows can contribute to weight gain as it encourages a sedentary lifestyle. The mobile phone ads expose children to junk food and also promote inactivity, starting unhealthy habits. Online pediatric advice for reducing screen time via teleconsultation will provide a better way to prevent this issue. 

Many children and adults have desserts every night after dinner, which can lead to obesity. Prohibiting your children from having sugary foods and desserts before lunch and dinner. Moreover, maintain a proper diet to prevent obesity, as it can reduce their appetite for unhealthy foods. 

Use smaller plates to encourage reasonable portion sizes. Avoid forcing children to "clean their plates" if they feel full. Teach mindful eating by encouraging kids to eat slowly and enjoy their meals. Online consultation for children’s lifestyle changes will teach good portion control techniques. 

Just like adults, children are affected by lack of sleep and poor-quality sleep. Improper sleep also disturbs hormones, including leptin and ghrelin, which control appetite. This imbalance can result in overeating and unhealthy food choices. A virtual doctor consultation for a child’s healthy weight will be helpful in preventing being overweight. 

Encourage outdoor play, such as cycling, skipping, and running / structured physical activity. Make exercise a family activity—go for walks, hikes, or dance together. Limit the time dedicated to inactive pastimes such as watching television or playing video games. 

Is there a way to prevent childhood obesity? 

Preventing this childhood persistent condition requires a lot of effort, and it is not solely your responsibility of and your family. Additionally, genetic factors may contribute to obesity, which are beyond your control.  

Maintaining healthy and proper eating habits and encouraging physical activity it can prevent obesity. The habits followed by your child when they are young will support a healthy lifestyle as they grow older. In here, teleconsultation plays a key role in providing parenting tips to prevent childhood obesity without visiting the hospital. 

Can childhood obesity be prevented? 

Childhood obesity is one of the health concerns that can be largely prevented when proper lifestyle and eating habits are maintained. In case you are concerned about your child’s growth and weight, it is important to talk to a paediatrician and evaluate the developing aspects of your child.