What is Overweight or Obesity? Why Do Children Become Overweight or Obese?

What is Overweight or Obesity? Why Do children Become Overweight or Obese? How to Control Rapid Weight Gain in Children?

Obesity is characterized by excessive growth of adipose tissue and the accumulation of fat within the human body. Childhood obesity is determined based on measurements of height and weight, and a child is considered obese if their weight (in pounds) significantly exceeds their height (in centimeters). There is another condition known as overweight, where there is a significant increase in body muscle mass but not an excessive amount of fat.

Adipose tissue is not just an energy storage organ but also an endocrine organ that produces various adipokines such as adiponectin, leptin, resistin, tumor necrosis factor α, and interleukin-6, all of which play roles in the pathophysiological processes of metabolic syndrome and obesity-related chronic diseases. Water and sodium retention are considered key factors leading to obesity and hypertension. A study in the United States found that infants and preschool children with accelerated weight gain have higher blood pressure than the average for their age group, and they are at increased risk of other health problems in adulthood, such as hypertension, high cholesterol, and elevated blood sugar.

In China, the number of overweight and obese children has reached 12 million, accounting for a significant portion of the world's "obese children." Childhood obesity is becoming a serious public health issue. According to reports, obesity has become the most important epidemic among children in Beijing. The obesity rate among children in Beijing has increased by 5 to 7 times over the past decade. Regional survey data from the end of the 20th century showed obesity rates of 3.4%, 15.4%, and 20.8% for children aged 0-6, 6-8, and 11-12, respectively.

What causes children to become overweight? Several factors may contribute to childhood overweight:

1. Energy-rich foods that are easily absorbed and utilized by the body, especially high-calorie snacks.

2. Parental dietary habits that influence the child's eating habits.

3. Excessive consumption of fast food.

4. Using food as a reward or attempting to change a child's behavior through food.

5. Lack of exercise.

6. Sedentary behaviors, such as watching television and snacking.

7. Lack of knowledge about proper nutrition.

8. Genetic factors.

Children raised by grandparents are more prone to obesity. Research found that nearly half (47.9%) of the 500 children surveyed were primarily cared for by their grandparents. Children taken care of by grandparents are less involved in household chores, consume more junk food, and eat three times more junk food per week than those cared for by parents, putting them at twice the risk of obesity.

How to control rapid weight gain in children? The basic methods to control rapid weight gain in children are dietary restraint and physical exercise. For parents and overweight children, it is essential to have the desire and determination to lose weight. The treatment goals for overweight and obese children differ according to age groups:

1. Children under 2 years old: The goal is to control the rate of weight gain rather than reduce weight. Limit fruit juice consumption to no more than 120 milliliters per day. Restrict high-calorie foods such as sweets, pastries, and ice cream. For children who tend to overeat and cry, provide them with a pacifier between feedings to satisfy their sucking needs, and monitor their weight regularly.

2. Children aged 2 to 7: The goal is to maintain their weight at the baseline and not lose weight. As the child's height increases, their weight will gradually decrease. After the age of 2, the fat content in the diet can be reduced, while increasing the intake of grains, vegetables, and fruits.

3. Children over 7: The goal is to maintain their original weight baseline and then gradually change their diet and increase physical exercise to achieve gradual weight loss. For children and adolescents in this age group, weight control methods similar to those for adults should be followed, including limiting fat intake.

What should parents of overweight or obese children do?

Parents should schedule regular family meals and snack times for children. Allow children to choose healthy foods, such as apples and yogurt stored in the refrigerator, instead of eating fried pies, kebabs, or calamari from street vendors.

However, even when dieting, children should not drastically reduce their food intake, as insufficient energy may hinder their growth and development. The calorie needs of each child mainly depend on age, gender, and activity level. To control a child's weight, the whole family's diet should also be properly arranged to support the child's dietary plan.

Research has shown that behavioral treatment is highly effective in reducing weight in severely obese children. However, dietary and exercise habits must be changed promptly; otherwise, the impact may not be significant if childhood obesity is addressed only during adolescence or adulthood, as the eating and exercise habits established during childhood are difficult to alter. Therefore, the best time to treat overweight children is from ages 6 to 7. Unfortunately, many obese children tend to postpone treatment until around the age of 10.