Bledidoc Advice

Childhood obesity is one of the greatest public health challenges of the 21st century. It is a global problem that affects many low- and middle-income countries, particularly in urban areas. Obesity is an abnormal or excessive accumulation of fat that can be detrimental to health. Childhood obesity is a risk factor for adult obesity: an obese child has a 2 to 4 risk of remaining obese as an adult.

Childhood obesity is defined as a level of overweight defined by age, gender and body mass index (or BMI).

Factors Associated with Obesity

All aspects of the environment in which a child is conceived, can contribute to the risk of overweight or obesity.

Overweight and obesity in children are mainly explained by an increase in food intake and a decrease in energy expenditure. Since the caloric intake from food is higher than the body's caloric expenditure, the energy balance is positive and leads to an increase in weight. Physical activity is the main energy expenditure. It is the only one that can be influenced.

A diet that is too rich in fatty and sweet or salty foods is the main cause of dietary imbalance. This imbalance is one of the causes of overweight and obesity in children. The ease of access to these foods (sweets, soft drinks, biscuits, crisps, etc.) and their advertising can influence the eating habits of children and those around them.

Nowadays, we observe a decrease in the physical activity levels in children, which is a source of energy expenditure. Games and activities are becoming more and more sedentary:

1. Watching television
2. Playing a video game on console or a computer; using a smart phone, etc.

During these activities, children do not move, do not expend energy and tend to nibble on fatty or sweet foods (peanuts, chips, candy, etc.).

For a child, being inactive leads to an increase in body fat and promotes overweight.

Other factors that are also associated with obesity:

1. Overweight or obesity genes
2. Insufficient sleep
3. Psychological factors: eating disorder

The Consequences of Obesity

Childhood obesity can affect children's health for the rest of their lives. As obese adults, they will be more prone to develop many pathologies:

1. Cardiovascular diseases
2. Insulin resistance (which is often a sign of diabetes)
3. Musculoskeletal disorders (osteoarthritis - degenerative joint disease)

Tips to Prevent your Child from Becoming Overweight

Preventing overweight and obesity in children begins with the development of "good lifestyle habits" that affect both the child and the family.

Here are a few tips to prevent your child from becoming overweight:

1. Limit energy intake from fat and sugar consumption.
2. Increase consumption of fruits, vegetables, legumes, nuts and whole grains.
3. Regular physical activity (30 to 60 minutes a day).

With regard to the consumption of growth milk, it is necessary to give preference to milk that does not contain too much protein, should be low in fat, and contain vegetable rather than animal fat, and most importantly it should not contain added sugar.

The child's diet is an important factor for harmonious growth. It must be diverse and balanced.

Certain categories of food must be eaten every day.

AT LEAST FIVE PORTIONS OF FRUIT AND VEGETABLES A DAY

In addition to being low in calories, fruits and vegetables are a real cocktail of vitamins, minerals and fiber.

CEREALS AND LEGUMES ARE ESSENTIAL IN A CHILD'S DIET

These products are important for muscle and brain function.

Unlike sweet foods, they provide energy that is gradually released into the body.

THREE OR FOUR MILK PRODUCTS A DAY FOR GROWING CHILDREN

Dairy products are essential for growth, muscle building and strong bones because they provide protein, calcium and vitamin D.

ALTERNATING MEAT, FISH OR EGGS

Meat, fish and eggs are important sources of protein and iron, which are necessary for building bone and muscle mass.

WATER AT WILL: THE ONLY DRINK RECOMMENDED FOR CHILDREN

Water is the only drink recommended at will during and outside of meals, before and during physical activity.

Sodas, which are rich in sugar, should be avoided.

Dr. Kamal HARB, Pediatrician

^{https://www.ameli.fr/assure/sante/themes/surpoids-enfant}

^{https://www.obesite.com/obesite-chez-lenfant/generalites/}

^{https://www.doctissimo.fr/html/nutrition/poids/obesite_enfant}

^{Organisation mondiale de la Santé https://www.who.int/dietphysicalactivity/publications/childhood_report/fr/}

^{https://www.mpedia.fr/news-surpoids-obesite-chez-enfant/}

^{[1] : Bocquet A, Vidailhet M. Nutri-Bébé 2013 study Part 2. How do French mothers feed their young children ? Arch Pediatr. 2015 oct. 22 (10 Suppl 1): 10S7 – 1-S19}