The problem of obesity in children has increased considerably in India during recent years. Between 16 and 33 percent of children and adolescents are obese. Obesity is one of the easiest medical conditions to recognize, but whose treatment is very difficult. The increase in unhealthy weight due to an inadequate diet and lack of exercise is responsible for more than 300,000 deaths each year. The annual cost to society for obesity is estimated at around $ 100 billion. Overweight children tend to become overweight adults, unless they adopt and maintain healthier eating and exercise patterns.

WHAT CAUSES OBESITY?

The causes of obesity are complicated and include genetic, biological, behavioural and cultural factors. Basically, obesity occurs when a person eats more calories than the body burns. Obesity in children and adolescents may be related to:

  • poor eating habits
  • overeating or losing the ability to stop eating (binging)
  • lack of exercise (ex: children who lie on the couch)
  • history of obesity in the family
  • medical diseases (endocrinological or neurological problems)
  • medications (steroids and some psychiatric medications)
  • changes in life that cause them a lot of stress (separations, divorce, removals, deaths, abuse)
  • family or peer problems
  • low self-esteem
  • depression or other emotional problems.

WHAT ARE THE RISKS AND COMPLICATIONS OF OBESITY?

There are many risks and complications due to obesity. The physical consequences include:

  • an increase in the risk of heart disease
  • high blood pressure
  • diabetes
  • trouble breathing
  • sleep difficulties

Obesity in children and adolescents is also associated with an increased risk of emotional problems. Teenagers with weight problems tend to have much lower self-esteem and tend to be less popular with their peers. Depression, anxiety and obsessive-compulsive disorder can also occur.

HOW CAN OBESITY BE MANAGED AND TREATED?

There is the only way to solve the obesity problem and it is naturopathy treatment. In the absence of a physical disorder, the only way to lose weight is to reduce the number of calories eaten and increase the level of physical activity of the child or adolescent.

Ways To Manage Obesity in Children and Adolescents Include:

  • start a weight control program
  • change eating habits (eat slowly, develop a routine)
  • plan meals and make a better selection of foods [eat less fatty foods and avoid foods of low nutritional value (junk and fast foods)]
  • control portions and consume fewer calories
  • increase physical activity (especially walking) and have a more active life pattern
  • find out what your child eats at school
  • make family meals instead of watching television or being on the computer
  • do not use food as a reward
  • limit snacks

Every naturopathy centre in India is now very careful about this fast-growing problem. You should just forward one step to beg help from the centre. Surely this problem of you or your loved ones will be gone within few weeks.