Role of Nutritionist in Childhood obesity, prevalence and prevention

 what is Childhood obesity?

Although the definitions of obesity and overweight have evolved over time, a high body fat percentage (BF) can be considered childhood obesity. There is no universally accepted threshold for excess fatness, obesity, or overweight in children and adolescents. Williams and others, measured the skin fold thickness of 3320 children between the ages of 5 and 18 and classified children as fat if their body fat percentage was at least 25% for males and 30% for females, respectively." At risk for overweight" is defined by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention as being between the 85th and 95th percentiles of BMI for an individual's age. Overweight was defined by European researchers as being above the 85th percentile of BMI and obesity as being above the 95th percentile.

The percentage of body fat can also be measured in a number of different ways. Multi-frequency bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA), underwater weighing (densitometry), and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) are some of the methods used in research. In addition, the pattern of maturation varies among ethnic groups and genders. 

BIA has been shown to predict total body water (TBW), fat-free mass (FFM), and fat mass or percentage of body fat (%BF) in children in cross-sectional studies. Additionally, it has been demonstrated that BIA accurately estimates changes in %BF and FFM over time. To improve the measurement of obesity-related risks, waist circumference has been added as a substitute marker of visceral obesity. Because it targets central obesity, which is a risk factor for type II diabetes and coronary heart disease, waist circumference appears to be more accurate for children. We are aware of no published information regarding specific waist circumference cutoffs, but there are some ongoing studies. you must visit Best Nutritionist in Dubai

Obesity: What Causes It? 

Although the exact mechanism by which obesity develops is unknown, it is known that excess energy intake leads to obesity. There are various etiologies for this irregularity, consequently, and the rising predominance of weight can't be tended to by a solitary etiology. A child's susceptibility to an environment that encourages obesity is influenced by genetic factors.

I. Diet: Behavioral and social factors Over the past few decades, the idea of "food" has evolved from a means of nourishment to a marker of lifestyle and a source of pleasure. As a result, food has become more accessible to a larger number of people. Clearly, increasing physical activity will not compensate for a diet high in calories and low in nutrients. A single large-sized (i.e., >=785 kcal) children's meal at a fast food restaurant requires between one and two hours of extremely vigorous activity. The typical child or adult will have little trouble adhering to this diet on a regular basis.

Calorie intake Despite the widespread belief that an increase in calorie intake is the cause of obesity and overweight, there is insufficient evidence to support this claim. Food frequency methods accurately estimate calorie intake but not the typical diet. At the population level, it is difficult to accurately measure total energy intake. However, obesity can be caused by a small caloric imbalance over a long period of time.

Fat intake Despite the fact that cross-sectional and longitudinal studies have produced contradictory results, it has long been assumed that an increase in high-fat diets is to blame for the rise in childhood obesity. The fact that the consumption of dietary fat in various populations was decreasing at the same time as the prevalence of childhood obesity was rising is the primary argument against the idea that dietary fat is to blame for the accelerated epidemic of childhood obesity. Although excessive consumption of fat is linked to obesity, there is insufficient evidence to suggest that this is the primary cause of the growing number of obese children in childhood.

There is a growing body of evidence that suggests increasing dairy consumption by approximately two servings per day could reduce the risk of being overweight by up to 70%. Additionally, consuming calcium reduced the risk of developing insulin resistance by 21% in overweight younger adults 

II. Physical Activity It has been hypothesized that an increasing lack of physical activity among people of all ages is a major factor in the worldwide rise in obesity rates. A study of monozygotic twins found that physical activity had a significant impact on weight gain. Sedentary activities like playing video games or watching television are linked to an increased risk of obesity, according to numerous studies. In addition, parents report that they would rather have their children watch television at home than let them play alone outside because parents can then finish their chores while keeping an eye on their kids.

Preventive Medicine Preventative medicine may be the most effective method for halting the current epidemic of obesity, according to Best Nutritionist in Dubai and almost all public health researchers and clinicians. Primary prevention of overweight or obesity, secondary prevention of weight regain after weight loss, and prevention of further weight increases in obese people who are unable to lose weight are all forms of prevention. The majority of approaches up until now have focused on changing people's diet and exercise habits, which appears to have had little effect on the growing obesity epidemic.

Which age group should prevention begin first?

In addition to the fact that there are a greater number of potential interventions for children than there are for adults, children are frequently regarded as the primary target population for intervention strategies. Children's eating and physical activity environments can easily be influenced in schools. Different settings, for example, preschool establishments and after-school care administrations will have comparative open doors for activity. Second, once excessive weight is established, adults find it difficult to lose it. As a result, it would make more sense to begin treating obesity and preventing it in children. Various interventions that focus on diet, physical activity, and the built environment can be used to prevent disease.