Childhood Obesity: A Looming Health Crisis in Our Society

Childhood obesity refers to a condition where children and adolescents accumulate excess body fat, which significantly increases their risk of health problems. It is a serious and complex medical condition that has become a global public health concern in recent decades.

Childhood obesity is usually assessed using body mass index (BMI), which takes into account a child’s height and weight. According to standard growth charts, a child is considered obese when their BMI is at or above the 95th percentile for their age and sex. Factors contributing to childhood obesity include a combination of genetic, behavioral, and environmental factors.

There are many causes of childhood obesity. Unhealthy eating patterns, such as high-calorie, low-nutrient foods such as fast food, sugary snacks and sugary drinks, lead to excessive weight gain. Sedentary lifestyles with limited physical activity also play a role, as children spend more time in activities such as watching television, playing video games, or using electronic devices than participating in active play or sports.

Tanisha Bawa, gut health expert and certified nutrition coach, founder of TAN|365, explains which foods to eat and which to avoid:

Foods to avoid:

1. White sugar
   White sugar can be eaten in moderation. Its excessive consumption causes health problems. We often overlook the amount of sugar in biscuits, cereals and other things that we pass on to our children as healthy. However, it is important to ensure that sugar intake is not excessive as in the long run, it can lead to sugar addiction.
2. Sweet drinks
   Aerated drinks, iced tea, fruit juices – all contain artificial colors, sugars and chemicals. This leads to contamination of the gut microbe in children with bad gut bacteria, which in turn leads to weakened immunity and childhood obesity.
3. Fast foods
   Because of the mass production in quick-service restaurants, there are times when the quality of ingredients is compromised – for example, cheese, grains, even the oils in which the food is cooked or fried. Is. This in turn increases the levels of bad gut bacteria that lead to obesity in children.

Good foods to eat:

1. Good fats
   Good fats take care of your gut instead of damaging it. Eating good fats in moderation can help control your appetite and prevent you from overeating. It helps control obesity in children. Foods rich in good fats are nuts, nut butters, avocados, egg yolks, olive oil, etc.
2. sweet potato
   Many benefits of sweet potato are known. They contain antioxidants and nutrients like vitamins A, B6, K and potassium. Being rich in fiber, they slow down digestion and absorption of carbohydrates, thus helping to maintain a healthy weight. Apart from this, they are also good for the eyes.
3. A rainbow of plant-based foods and dietary fiber
   Not only is it interesting for kids to watch, but it also helps them get a variety of fiber sources. It supports your cardiovascular and digestive health, thus helping to keep your weight under control. So, adding complex carbohydrates like millet, amaranth, quinoa, lentils and fruits like berries, apples, citrus fruits will be a great addition to your kids meal plan.