Preadolescence age-It is observed that children grow 5-8cms per year and gain 2-3kgs per age during their 6- 10 years of age.
Adolescence age-In this age height and weight increases due to increase in growth rate. In adolescence body weight and height occurs in spurts. The height increases for both boys and girls till 20 years.
It’s difficult to control child weight. Obesity in children is increasing day by day in developing world.
Research indicates increase in overweight children from 5% to 11% from 1960s to 1990s in the USA.
There are many factors associated with obesity-
- Television, video games and computer are decreasing their physical activity.
- Increase in junk or fast food diet is also responsible for weight gain in children.
- Intake of carbonated soft drinks, fruit boxes add excessive calories to their body.
- Decreased physical education in schools.
- Hereditary genes from family.
- Eating in restaurants and fast food centers regularly.
How to help children to reduce their overweight?
In children weight loss programs are not advisable since there are changes in their body according to the age. Adolescent children need calories for growth. There are several hormonal changes in this period. Weight gain in children can be tackled by reducing their caloric intake without affecting nutritional balance.
1. By restricting favorite foods it is not possible to reduce weight.
2. Decreasing the amount of favorite high caloric food intakes gradually can be effective in case of children.
3. Increasing physical activity in kids by outdoor games leads to successful weight reduction. By prevention of increased weight gain velocity, child’s weight can be maintained till he grows taller.
4. Introducing right eating habits by replacing fruits and vegetables instead of snacks fried and packed.
5. Avoiding candies and chocolates