Many mothers do not know their children are overweight

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This article is expertly consulted by Master, Doctor Ngo Thi Oanh - Pediatrician - Pediatrics - Neonatology - Vinmec Ha Long International General Hospital.
Mothers almost always feel more satisfied when their children have a large, chubby body. However, this can be a sign of childhood obesity. Therefore, the mother should control the weight at a standard level to protect the health of the child.

1. Evidence shows that many mothers do not fully understand their child's weight

Most mothers do not realize that their children are overweight or obese at a young age. Signs of obesity in children that are not detected and treated early will set the stage for the disease to occur when the child grows up. Studies have shown that up to 70% of mothers misjudged weight when given an image that reflects the child's body size, and 88% of mothers were more satisfied with the weight of overweight children than children with normal weight.
Research by Dr. Erin R. Hager at the University of Maryland School of Medicine in Baltimore on 281 mothers in assessing baby body size results: "Most mothers do not know the exact weight but very Satisfied with the child's weight, those who are dissatisfied often want their child to gain more weight.” Dr. Hager adds: "This is not good if the child is already at a healthy weight or overweight." .

2. A chubby child is a healthy child?

A chubby child is not necessarily a healthy child. "Many people believe that overweight children are a sign of good care, but this is no longer the case," says Dr. Hager.
Children who are overfed have a high risk of becoming obese when they grow up, especially in cases where parents mistakenly think the child is underweight and try to take measures to gain weight for the child.

3. How to recognize overweight children?

To determine whether your child is overweight or obese, you should take your child to the doctor. At the hospital, the doctor will measure weight, height, calculate BMI , compare with standard sizes to give the best child care advice for the family.

4. Preventing childhood obesity

Dr. Sarah E. Messiah, of the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine in Florida, recommends that families limit the intake of children who show signs of obesity.
Eating habits can be easily established when children are young. Therefore, when learning to feed children, parents should give children a lot of fruit and vegetables; Avoid unhealthy foods like juices and sodas.
In addition, when the child shows signs of obesity, the family should take the child to the doctor. During your visit, your pediatrician will determine your weight level and give helpful advice to maintain a healthy weight or lose weight safely.
Obesity in children causes undesirable consequences, so parents need to maintain and guide children to practice healthy lifestyle habits, appropriate diet, and let children exercise. regularly; To weigh in at home, daily monitor the weight of the child, to avoid overweight.

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Reference source: webmd.com