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Obesity and Malnutrition: A Child Nutrition Concern
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For the past few years, child nutrition has become a very popular subject. Obesity among children is rampant. And so is malnutrition.
You should consult your child’s doctor about matters which concerns your child’s nutrition. What the doctor does is to compare the height and weight of your child with that of other children.
Obesity
There is a growing percentage of overweight American children. Today’s kids have very little time for exercise or barely have any time at all. They spend most of their time watching television, computers or video games. Even parents have no time to make their kids nutritious meals. The trend now with most families is to go out and eat in fast-food chains.
A child is considered overweight if he/she has a body mass index (BMI) at or above 95th percentile for age and sex. The BMI has four categories, namely:
- underweight
- normal weight
- at risk for overweight
- overweight
If you have an overweight child, your doctor will normally ask about his eating habits and make some suggestions on making positive changes. You may be referred to a dietician or undergo a comprehensive weight program. This will depend on your child’s status.
There are certain risks of being overweight.
1. High blood pressure, high levels of cholesterol, abnormal blood lipid levels, type 2 diabetes and insulin resistance
2. Bone, joint problems
3. Shortness of breath
4. Sleep disorders, restlessness
5. Matures earlier
6. Diseases of the liver and gall bladder
7. Depression
Treating or preventing obesity among children reduces the risk of having these conditions.
Underweight/Malnourished
Malnutrition may be associated with hunger. Malnourished people lack essential nutrients for proper development and health. They are most likely to get sick and if worst comes to worst, die.
According to the World Health Organization, one out of seven people get hungry. Families with not much food to eat are at risk of malnutrition.
Malnutrition causes several health problems. People who are hungry all the time are likely underweight.
Other people become malnourished because of a certain disease or condition. An example is a child suffering from cystic fibrosis, a condition wherein the body can’t absorb the nutrients because the pancreas is affected. Pancreas produces enzymes necessary for digestion.
Malnutrition can affect people of various ages, infants, toddlers and even adolescents.
Older ones may be malnourished because of an illness or aging.
Here are some indicators of malnutrition:
- low energy and fatigue
- poor function of the immune system
- dizziness
- scaly/dry skin
- bleeding and swollen gums
- painful joints
- decaying teeth
- slow reaction time or can’t pay attention
- underweight
- weakness of the muscles
- poor growth
- bloated stomach
- organ function problems in severe cases
- osteoporosis
The information that the doctor provides is not enough. You, as parents, should learn more about proper child nutrition. Start by educating yourself on healthy/good eating habits and on how you will impart that to your children.
Learn to make better choices while shopping. Read labels of products.
If your doctor advised your child to start a program of exercise, make sure that it is integrated in your nutrition plans.
Study your child’s behavior, why he/she overeats or why they don’t eat much. Be sure to prevent this from happening.
You should regularly check with your doctor.
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