Factors affecting childhood obesity

This is an automatically translated article.

The article was professionally consulted by Specialist Doctor II Le Thanh Cam - Pediatrician - Pediatrics - Neonatology Department - Vinmec Danang International General Hospital. Dr. Cam has 15 years of experience in diagnosing & treating pediatric diseases, having worked at the Pediatric Department - Danang Hospital and Danang Center for Obstetrics and Gynecology.
And resident doctor Duong Van Sy - Department of Pediatrics - Neonatology - Vinmec Hai Phong International General Hospital.
Although obesity is not life-threatening, it greatly affects a child's physique and daily life. If left untreated, weight control can lead to many harmful effects on health.

1. What is obesity?

Obesity is a condition in which the body accumulates excessive fat, locally or globally, to the extent that it adversely affects the health of the body.

2. Obesity classification

2.1. Classification by etiology Simple obesity: The type of obesity without a clear pathogenesis accounts for more than 90%.
Pathological obesity: Due to endocrine diseases or genetic defects 10%
2.2. Classification according to adipose tissue morphology and age of onset of obesity Early onset obesity: Present before the child is 5 years old.
Late onset obesity: Late onset obesity after 5 years of age.
The most likely stages of obesity are infancy, 5-7 years old, and adolescence. Obesity that occurs during this stage increases the risk of chronic obesity and complications such as cardiovascular disease risk and psychiatric disorders than late-onset obesity.
2.3. Classification by segmentation of adipose tissue and anatomical location Abdominal obesity (central fat, upper body fat, apple fat, male fat): Fat is concentrated in the abdomen.
Thigh fat (peripheral fat, low fat, pear-shaped fat, female fat): Fat is concentrated mainly in the buttocks and thighs.
Belly fat has a higher risk of cardiovascular disease, diabetes, hyperinsulinemia, dyslipidemia, glucose intolerance than thigh fat.

3. Causes of obesity in children

Family and genetic factors: Many cases of obesity have a family history. Children with obese parents can become obese at any age: By age 17, the rate is three times higher than in families with non-fat parents. Among obese children, about 80% of children have one parent. obese, 30% have both parents obese. Decrease in physical activity: the cause of obesity in children can be caused by children being sedentary, often sitting in one place watching TV, playing with phones, ipads, being lazy to exercise or do sports. Together with the habit of snacking and drinking soft drinks, children get too much energy without consuming energy. Long term leads to obesity. Sleep less: Studies show that children who sleep less than 8 hours / day and night have an increased risk of obesity when they are over 15 years old. Sleep less but go to bed early, watch TV for many hours, reduce physical activity... The sleep of obese children can be disturbed due to fluctuations in hormonal factors such as serotonine. Breast milk is a protective factor in preventing obesity: Studies have shown that breast milk also has a preventive effect on obesity in children: The less time breastfed, the higher the risk of childhood obesity. Premature fat accumulation is a risk factor for childhood obesity. BMI increases rapidly during the first year, then gradually declines to a lowest level between 4 and 8 years of age (average age 6 years) and then gradually increases until adulthood. The return of BMI during infancy is termed early fat storage. Premature fat accumulation before age 5.5 is a risk factor for childhood obesity. Therefore, values ​​of BMI before and during the fat storage phase must be determined to accurately assess risk progression. Psychological and emotional factors: Psychological and emotional factors are risk factors for childhood obesity. The lack of parental care and education during childhood is a risk factor for obesity. Precocious puberty and obesity : Research shows that 30% of overweight girls and 15% of obese girls have their period before age 11 Children with intellectual disability: Children with intellectual disabilities make their ability to Food restraint is affected. Children who eat do not know how to be full and do not know when to stop, causing themselves to overeat. In addition, the ability to communicate and play of children with intellectual disabilities is also limited, so children often sit and play alone. This causes excess fat to accumulate more and more, causing obesity in children. Unhealthy Diet Most cases of childhood obesity are caused by unhealthy eating.

A meal contains too many calories Eat a lot of greasy, fried food Eat a lot of fast food: chips, chips, pizza... Eating too many sweets: cakes, candies, cakes, ice cream... Eating too many meals a day Eating less green vegetables and fruits As a key area of ​​Vinmec Health system, Pediatrics always brings satisfaction to customers and is highly appreciated by industry experts with:
Gathering a team of leading doctors and nurses in Pediatrics: including leading experts, highly qualified (professors, associate professors, doctoral, masters), experienced, have worked in different hospitals. big hospitals like Bach Mai, 108.. The doctors are all well-trained, professional, have a heart - reach, understand young psychology. In addition to domestic pediatric specialists, the Department of Pediatrics also has the participation of foreign experts (Japan, Singapore, Australia, USA) who are always pioneers in applying the latest and most effective treatment regimens. . Comprehensive services: In the field of Pediatrics, Vinmec provides a series of continuous medical examination and treatment services from Newborn to Pediatric and Vaccine,... according to international standards to help parents take care of their baby's health from birth to childhood. from birth to adulthood Specialized techniques: Vinmec has successfully deployed many specialized techniques to make the treatment of difficult diseases in Pediatrics more effective: neurosurgery - skull surgery, stem cell transplantation. blood in cancer treatment. Professional care: In addition to understanding children's psychology, Vinmec also pays special attention to the children's play space, helping them to have fun and get used to the hospital's environment, cooperate in treatment, improve the efficiency of medical treatment.

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