One in four children has a weight problem. Studies show that obese children of the 21st century will live shorter than their parents due to obesity-related diseases. One-third of obese children and two-thirds of obese adolescents remain obese in adulthood. It is necessary to take precautions from childhood to stop the increase in obesity. The earlier the measure is taken, the less likely it is to develop diabetes and cardiovascular diseases at a young age in obese children.
The first year of life, pre-school period and adolescence are risky in terms of obesity
Obesity, ie obesity; It is an energy metabolism disorder that occurs with excessive fat storage in the body. Obesity creates a health risk by causing physical and mental problems in the individual. The incidence of “childhood obesity“, which is one of the most important health problems today, is increasing rapidly in the world and in our country. Especially the first year of life, pre-school period and adolescence are risky in terms of obesity. The Ministry of Health in 2010 made Turkey Nutrition and Health Survey, 26.4% in children aged 0-5 years; It reveals that 22.5% of children between the ages of 6-18 have weight problems. Approximately one out of every 4 children has a weight problem.
Growth curves and relative weights are used in diagnosis
Body mass index (BMI) can be used in diagnosis. Body mass index is calculated by dividing weight by the square of height. Unlike adults, body mass index does not have a fixed value in terms of obesity in children. The amount of fat is different in boys and girls. In addition, the amount of body fat changes with increasing age. Therefore, for body mass index, children are evaluated using percentiles specific to age and gender, that is, growth curves. The 5-85 percentile is normal, 85-95 overweight, and above 95 percentile obesity. In addition, the ratio of the weight of the child to the ideal weight according to his height, ie relative weight, is frequently used in the diagnosis of obesity. This rate is normal up to 110%, between 110-120% is collective children and 120% and above is obesity.
Wrong eating habits and sedentary life trigger obesity
Although childhood obesity may be due to an endocrine disease or a syndrome, it is generally “exogenobesity” caused by the accumulation of fat in the body as a result of more calories than burned. Increasing calorie and fat ratio in the diet, widespread use of “fastfood” type of diet, eating fast, chewing less, consuming sugary / carbonated beverages, decreasing activity (sedentary life), increasing hours spent in front of television and computer, and getting away from physical activity and exercise are important factors. As a result, children burn less calories, take more calories and increase fat tissue.
Every child with obesity should be evaluated by a doctor.
In some of the patients; Endogenous (secondary) obesity due to endocrine disorders, genetic syndromes, hypothalamic disorders or drugs is detected. Major endocrine disorders causing childhood obesity; hypothyroidism, excess cortisol (corticosteroid therapy, Cushing’s Syndrome), growth hormone deficiency, pseudohypoparathyroidism, acquired hypothalamic lesions. In addition, rare causes include ROHHAD-NET Syndrome (rapid onset obesity, hypothalamic dysfunction, hypoventilation, autonomic dysregulation-neural crest tumors) and monogenicobesities (leptin deficiency, leptin receptor gene defect). Every child with obesity should be evaluated by a specialist, the cause of obesity and the complications it causes should be determined clearly and the necessary treatment plan should be made.
Excess weight brings many diseases
In addition to the rapid increase in childhood obesity, it is important due to the risk of continuing in adulthood, the fact that it is a difficult disease to treat, accompanying diseases and serious side effects. The risk of the obese child to continue as an “obese adult”; The age of the child, the degree of obesity, and the presence of obesity in the family, especially in the mother and father One third of obese children and two thirds of obese children remain obese in adulthood. Obesity is an important systemic disease that negatively affects all organs. Important diseases accompanying obesity; insulin resistance, impaired glucose tolerance, type 2 diabetes, metabolic syndrome, precocious puberty, PCOS, hypertension, dyslipidemia, arteriosclerosis and adult cardiovascular disease, stroke-heart attack, fatty liver, gallstones, sleep apnea, asthma, gliding in the hip joint, curvature of the legs, increased risk of fractures, acanthosis nigricans (dark staining) of the skin, social isolation, decreased self-confidence, eating disorders, anxiety (anxiety), depression, and even an increased risk of some cancers (endometrial, breast, colon) countable. Obese children are more likely to develop diabetes and cardiovascular disease at a young age if they continue to experience deobesity into adulthood.
It is necessary to take early precautions so that the obese child does not become an obese adult.
At least 2.6 million people die each year as a result of being overweight or obese. A study based on 55 years of follow-up published in a good journal found that men who were obese during adolescence had twice the risk of death from cardiovascular disease than those with normal weight. Again, as a striking finding, it has been determined that obese children of the 21st century, unfortunately, will live shorter than their parents due to obesity-related diseases. With the treatment of obesity and weight control, the development of these diseases in children can be prevented to a great extent. For this reason, early measures should be taken in the treatment of childhood obesity, and it should not be late. Measures should be taken from childhood to stop the increase in diabetes and obesity. The sooner the action is taken, the better the result will be.
In the treatment, it should be determined whether there is a hormonal disorder or not.
Primarily in the treatment of childhood obesity; Every obese child should be examined at least once for hormonal disorders and it should be determined whether there is a hormonal disorder that causes weight gain or prevents weight loss. If hormonal disorders are detected as a result of these examinations, necessary medication should be started immediately. If there is no hormonal disorder; measures should be taken to at least prevent weight gain by regulating the energy intake, increasing physical activity, psychological support, motivation, a balanced diet plan, frequent monitoring and weight control.
Treatment approach should be made into a lifestyle
Informing the family and the child about healthy eating habits, behavior and lifestyle changes in the process of combating obesity is an important part of the treatment. Creating a child-friendly diet plan, reducing meals and junk food, limiting sugar intake, reducing fat and carbohydrate content, shifting fat consumption from saturated fat to unsaturated fat, whole wheat and fiber foods, legumes and vegetables and fruits that provide a long feeling of satiety. consumption should be increased. Intake of sufficient calcium and dairy products is also important for fat metabolism. It should be ensured that this treatment approach is adopted into a lifestyle in children and adolescents. Family participation is very important in the treatment and follow-up process.
It is necessary to start the fight against obesity from childhood
Another important point in childhood obesity; It is the acquisition of healthy eating and exercise habits to the child before obesity occurs. It is possible to gain the habit and awareness of healthy eating and regular exercise, especially in childhood. It is necessary to start the struggle from childhood to prevent obesity. In addition to a balanced diet, it is very important to increase the physical activity of the child and ensure that he adopts an active lifestyle. Every child should get into the habit of doing sports by doing a sport they want, preferably in the form of group games. Children should get 60 minutes of regular, moderate activity every day. Playing games is a natural physical activity and a suitable environment should be provided for children. Children should not stay in front of the computer and television for more than 2 hours a day. It should not be forgotten that especially food advertisements negatively affect nutrition with misdirection. A good sleep routine and avoiding stress are also important for weight balance. Parents who are at risk of obesity in their child should consult a specialist to investigate the reasons for the child’s weight gain and to start the necessary treatment early.
It should not be forgotten that; Early and accurate diagnosis of obesity in childhood, determination of the causes and accompanying diseases, good and close follow-up of the patient and timely interventions can prevent the reflection of obesity in adulthood and its complications.
Obesity is difficult to treat and actually one of the life-long diseases. Since children are more active and growing creatures, the chance of obesity to be corrected in childhood is much higher than adults. The prevention of adult obesity, which causes serious complications, depends on the measures taken during childhood and adolescence. It should not be forgotten that; Early and accurate diagnosis of obesity in childhood, determination of the causes and accompanying diseases, good and close monitoring of the patient and timely interventions can prevent the reflection of obesity in adulthood and its complications.