Obesity in children is one of the most prominent and growing health issues in our societies, as it is no longer limited to physical effects only, but extends to include psychological and social aspects. Early detection and rapid intervention are considered a decisive factor in prevention and treatment. This is why Al Mousa Specialist Hospital offers integrated programs to care for children suffering from obesity, including accurate diagnosis, nutritional plans, and behavioral treatment under the supervision of a specialized team. With the increase in unhealthy lifestyle and lack of physical activity, there has become an urgent need to understand this phenomenon and treat it in a scientific and safe way that protects the child’s health and restores his physical balance.

What is obesity in children?

Obesity in children is a health condition that occurs when a child’s weight increases excessively compared to his height and age, as a result of the accumulation of body fat to a degree that negatively affects his health and growth. It is determined whether the child suffers from obesity by calculating the body mass index (BMI) and comparing it to the growth rates for his age and gender. Obesity is not just an aesthetic problem, but is associated with an increased risk of chronic diseases such as type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, and heart disorders, in addition to its impact on the child’s psychological health by reducing his self-confidence and increasing the likelihood of

Causes of obesity in childhood

The causes of obesity in children are multiple and complex, and are often the result of an interplay of genetic, behavioral, and environmental factors. The most prominent of these causes are:

Unhealthy eating habits

Eating foods rich in calories, such as fast food, soft drinks, and sweets in large quantities, leads to rapid weight gain.

Lack of physical activity

Physical inactivity and spending long hours in front of screens (TV, phone, electronic games) reduces energy consumption and leads to fat accumulation.

Genetic factors

If one or both parents are obese, there is a higher chance that the child will develop obesity due to genetic predisposition and shared habits.

Psychological and behavioral factors

Eating in response to stress, sadness, or boredom may lead to overeating and weight gain, especially in children who lack emotional support.

Lack of sleep

Sleep deprivation causes an imbalance in hunger and satiety hormones, which increases appetite and affects metabolic rate.

Home and school environment

The availability of unhealthy foods at home or school, and not encouraging children to play and be physically active, are factors that contribute to weight accumulation.

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Genetic factors and their role in weight gain in children

Genetic factors play an important role in weight gain in children, as genes inherited from parents affect the way the body stores fat, regulates appetite, and consumes energy. If one or both parents suffer from obesity, the likelihood of the child developing it is higher compared to others, not only because of genes, but also because eating habits and physical activity patterns are acquired within the family.

Some children may inherit a biological predisposition to slow metabolism or increased desire to eat, which increases the risk of fat accumulation. Genetic factors may also interact with the surrounding environment. When a child lives in a home that does not encourage physical activity or contains foods rich in calories, this increases the influence of genetic factors.

However, genetic factors do not mean that obesity is inevitable, as its impact can be reduced by modifying lifestyle and providing a supportive environment, and this is what the care programs at Al Mousa Specialist Hospital focus on, which help children overcome genetic challenges through comprehensive nutritional, psychological and behavioral plans.

The effect of lifestyle and eating habits on the child's weight

Lifestyle and eating habits have a direct and decisive impact on a child’s weight. Daily food choices and the level of physical activity largely determine whether a child will maintain a healthy weight or gain excess weight. When a child relies on eating fast food, soft drinks, and foods rich in fats and sugars on a regular basis, with little consumption of fruits, vegetables, and healthy proteins, this leads to an imbalance of calories and a gradual increase in weight.

On the other hand, lack of movement is one of the most important factors causing obesity. Children who spend a long time in front of screens or electronic devices often have a sedentary lifestyle, which reduces their rate of burning calories, and the absence of a daily routine that includes playing or exercising exacerbates the problem.

The habits that a child learns at home play a major role. If he grows up in an environment that encourages emotional eating or eating while watching television, he acquires negative behaviors that affect his weight and health in the future. Therefore, family awareness and adopting a healthy lifestyle at home, such as providing balanced meals, and setting fixed times for sleep and activity, are important steps in preventing obesity.

Al Mousa Specialist Hospital pays great attention to modifying unhealthy lifestyle patterns, by providing integrated programs that help the family build a supportive nutritional and psychological environment that maintains the child’s health and prevents him from slipping into obesity.

The health risks of obesity to children in the short and long term

It is important to ensure the child’s ideal weight, and to stay away from excess weight, as obesity in children does not only affect the child’s appearance or his psychological state, but rather it represents a real danger to the child’s physical health, whether in the short or long term. It is linked to an increased possibility of developing chronic diseases that can accompany the child throughout his life if intervention is not done early. Below we explain more details about the health risks resulting from obesity in children:

Short-term health risks

• Increased blood pressure and cholesterol, which increases the risk of early heart problems.
• Type 2 diabetes, which used to be rare in children, is becoming more common due to obesity.
• Breathing problems such as sleep apnea or shortness of breath during simple activity.
• Bone and joint problems resulting from excessive pressure on the child’s skeleton.
• Liver problems such as non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.
• Suffering from psychological disorders such as low self-esteem, depression, and anxiety as a result of bullying or social isolation.

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Long-term health risks

• Obesity in children continues until the child reaches adulthood, which increases the risk of heart disease and strokes.
• Increased risk of developing chronic diabetes and high blood pressure throughout life.
• Higher risk of some types of cancer associated with obesity, such as colon and breast cancer.
• Poor fertility and later reproductive problems in some children, especially girls.
• Constant dependence on medications and complications associated with chronic diseases.

Psychological and social effects of obesity in children

The psychological and social effects resulting from obesity in children are among the hidden and dangerous aspects that are no less important than the physical damage, as obesity in children affects the child’s feelings, self-confidence, and relationships with society, and may leave profound effects that last for years if not treated early and professionally.

Children with obesity face a problem with self-esteem, as many of them feel ashamed of their external appearance, which affects their sense of acceptance and integration into the school or family environment. The child may avoid social or sports activities for fear of ridicule or comparison.

The most prominent psychological symptoms are also anxiety and depression, as studies indicate that children who suffer from obesity are more likely to feel sad and isolated, and they may resort to excessive eating as a way to escape from their feelings, which exacerbates their condition.

On the social level, bullying and ridicule about weight are considered among the most negative experiences that affect a child, and may leave a lasting impact on his confidence in others and his ability to build healthy relationships. These social pressures may also affect academic achievement and participation in school activities.

Ways to prevent obesity in childhood

Prevention of obesity in children begins with the child’s daily routine within the family, as the habits that the child acquires at an early age have a major role in building a healthy body as well as obtaining a balanced mind. Therefore, prevention requires integrated efforts, including nutrition, physical activity, and psychological support. The most prominent preventive methods for protection from obesity in children are the following:

• Providing a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables and healthy proteins while reducing foods high in fat and sugar.
• Set regular times for eating meals and avoid eating randomly or in front of screens.
• Limit the consumption of soft drinks and manufactured juices and replace them with water or natural juices.
• Encourage the child to engage in daily physical activity such as playing outdoors or exercising regularly.
• Reduce screen time, whether in front of the TV or smart devices, to no more than two hours per day.
• Adjust sleep schedules because lack of sleep may affect the hormones that regulate hunger and appetite.
• Family role models are essential. Parents who follow a healthy lifestyle will have their children more committed to good habits.
• Regular medical follow-up with child nutrition specialists to monitor growth and weight and provide the necessary guidance.

The importance of proper nutrition and physical activity in weight control

The importance of proper nutrition and physical activity in controlling weight is considered one of the basic pillars of preventing and treating obesity, especially in children. The balance between the energy the child consumes and what he expends through daily activity is the key to maintaining a healthy weight and healthy growth.

Proper nutrition provides the child with the necessary nutrients for mental and physical development, and helps regulate appetite and reduce the intake of empty calories. This includes providing balanced meals that contain vegetables, proteins, whole grains, and healthy fats, while reducing processed and fried foods that are full of sugars and salt. Eating food slowly and at specific times also contributes to improving eating behaviors and reducing overeating.

As for physical activity, it is not limited only to sports, but includes every movement that a child makes during the day, such as playing, walking, climbing stairs, or riding a bike, and it is essential for burning excess calories, strengthening bones and muscles, and stimulating blood circulation. Regular exercise also enhances the psychological state and reduces stress that may lead to emotional eating.

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The role of the family in supporting the child to overcome obesity

The role of the family in supporting the child to overcome obesity is the cornerstone of the success of any treatment or preventive plan. The family is the first environment from which the child acquires his eating habits and daily behaviors, and positive family support can make a big difference in the child’s path towards a healthy and stable lifestyle.

• Responsibility begins with providing a healthy home environment that includes having balanced food in the home and avoiding storing fast food and soft drinks. The child must also eat his meals with the family in a calm and organized atmosphere, which enhances his positive relationship with food and reduces the chances of overeating.
• The family should practice sports as a group activity that includes parents and children, whether through daily walks or playing outdoors, as this creates a spirit of interaction and motivates the child to move without feeling forced.
• Emotional support is also very important. One must refrain from directly criticizing the child’s shape or weight, but rather provide feedback in an encouraging and motivating way, because cruelty or comparison may lead to psychological problems that increase stress and lead to emotional eating.

Also, the role of the family includes continuous communication with specialists in the field of nutrition and child behavior, and following up on any treatment plans or medical instructions, which is what Al Mousa Specialist Hospital provides through family counseling sessions and integrated psychological and nutritional support programs that help the family play its role efficiently in supporting their child towards a healthy life free of obesity and its complications.

Frequently asked questions

When is a child overweight?

A child is considered overweight when his body mass index (BMI) exceeds the 85th percentile compared to his peers of the same age and gender, while obesity is considered when the index exceeds the 95th percentile, and this must be confirmed through the evaluation of a specialist doctor.

How do I know that a child has obesity?

It is possible to determine whether a child is suffering from obesity by measuring height and weight and calculating the body mass index, then comparing it to the charts designated for children according to age and gender, in addition to observing the accumulation of fat in the body, especially in the abdominal area, and the emergence of health problems or difficulty in movement.

When is weight loss dangerous for children?

Weight loss becomes worrying if it is rapid or unjustified, especially if it is accompanied by severe loss of appetite, constant fatigue, or growth problems. In this case, a doctor must be consulted immediately to determine the cause and ensure that the lost weight does not affect the child’s general health.

What are the causes of the appearance of rumen in children?

The belly appears as a result of the accumulation of fat in the abdominal area, often due to eating meals high in calories and fat, lack of physical activity, sitting for long hours in front of screens, or metabolic disorders. It may also be an indicator of the beginning of blood sugar problems or insulin resistance, which requires early intervention from the family and doctor.

If your child is overweight or showing signs of obesity, do not wait until the problem worsens. Book your appointment now at Al Mousa Specialist Hospital, where there is a medical team specialized in childhood obesity, child nutrition, and healthy behaviors.

المصادر:

Childhood obesity – mayoclinic

Childhood Obesity – clevelandclinic