Childhood Obesity: Time to Ponder upon this Serious Health Crisis

• Image Credit: Internet

• May 25, 2023 | Kabir Chakraborty

Good fats nourish your stomach rather than destroy it. Consuming healthful fats in moderation can help you control your appetite and avoid overeating. This aids in the prevention of childhood obesity. Good fat foods include nuts, nut butters, avocado, egg yolks, olive oil, and so on.

Digital Desk: Childhood
obesity is a disorder in which children and adolescents build excess body fat,
dramatically increasing their risk of health problems. It is a significant and
complex medical disorder that has recently become a global public health
concern.

Body mass index (BMI),
which considers a child's height and weight, is commonly used to assess
childhood obesity. According to standardised growth charts, a child is termed
obese if their BMI is at or over the 95th percentile for their age and gender.
A mix of genetic, behavioural, and environmental factors contribute to
childhood obesity.

Childhood obesity has
numerous reasons. Consuming high-calorie, low-nutrient items such as fast food,
sugary snacks, and sugary drinks contribute to excessive weight gain.
Sedentary lives with little physical activity also have a role, as youngsters
spend more time watching television, playing video games, or using electronic
gadgets rather than engaging in vigorous play or sports.

color:black">Tanisha Bawa, Founder of TAN|365 and Gut Health Expert &
Certified Nutrition Coach, explains which foods to eat and which to avoid:

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 Foods to avoid: 

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1.    1. White sugar 

In moderation, white sugar can be
ingested. Overconsumption is what causes health concerns. We frequently
overlook the sugar level of biscuits, cereals, and other foods that we offer to
our children because we believe they are healthy. However, it is critical to
ensure that the sugar level is not excessive, as this could develop to a sugar
addiction in the long run.

2. Sugary beverages

Artificial colours, sugars, and
chemicals are found in aerated drinks, iced teas, and fruit-packed juices. This
promotes contamination of the gut flora in children, which leads to weakened
immunity and contributes to childhood obesity.

3. Fast foods

The quality of products in fast-service
restaurants is sometimes compromised due to mass production, such as cheese,
cereals, and even the oils in which the items are cooked or fried. This, once
again, raises the level of harmful gut bacteria, leading to childhood obesity.

Foods that are good to consume:

1.    1. Good fats

Good fats nourish your stomach rather
than destroy it. Consuming healthful fats in moderation can help you control
your appetite and avoid overeating. This aids in the prevention of childhood
obesity. Good fat foods include nuts, nut butters, avocado, egg yolks, olive
oil, and so on.

2.  Sweet potato

Sweet potatoes are recognized to provide
numerous health benefits. They are high in antioxidants and nutrients like as
Vitamin A, B6, K, and potassium. They are also high in fibre, which slows
glucose digestion and absorption, assisting in the maintenance of a healthy
weight. They are also beneficial to the eyes.

3.  A variety of plant-based foods and dietary fibre

This is not only entertaining for
children to look at, but it also aids in the acquisition of varied fibre sources.
It promotes cardiovascular and intestinal health, which aids with weight
management. As a result, introducing complex carbs like millets, amaranth,
quinoa, lentils and fruits like berries, apples, and citrus fruits into your
kids' diet plan would be a terrific addition.