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There are many indices for obesity. Simply put, anyone (including children) whose actual weight is 20 percent or more above the mean weight for their height is obese.
Overweight in a child under three years of age should not be a cause for worry unless at least one parent is also obese. After the age of three, however, it is more likely that obesity will persist into adulthood. A child who is obese beyond six years of age has a more than 50% risk of becoming an obese adult. 70 to 80 percent of obese adolescents will remain so as adults.
Causes of Childhood Obesity
Only a small percentage of childhood obesity is associated with a hormonal or genetic defect.
Hypothyroidism, though rare, is the most frequently considered endogenous abnormality in obese children. Hypercortisolism (Cushing's syndrome) is another frequently suspected cause of endogenous obesity.
Most often, the cause of childhood obesity is due to over eating. A person gains weight when energy input exceeds energy output. Energy input is food. 3,500 calories is equivalent to 0.5 kg; thus, an excess intake of only 50 to 100 calories per day will lead to a 2.5 to 5 Kg weight gain over one year. As a result, a relatively small imbalance between energy input and output can lead to significant weight gain over time. Most obese children demonstrate a slow but consistent weight gain over several years.
Some psychiatric disorders lead to over eating. These include Bulimia nervosa, Depression, behavioral and emotional disorders with poor self-esteem, negative self-image and withdrawal from peers, stress from family or school, and pathological family dynamics
Treatment:
Prevention is the best way to handle the issue of obesity (see Tips for Preventing Obesity - on this page).
When a child does develop obesity, a serious attempt at weight reduction should be undertaken (see Tips to lose weight - on this page).
Any emotional disorder such as Bulimia nervosa, Depression, behavioral and emotional disorders with poor self-esteem, negative self-image and withdrawal from peers should be actively treated by a psychiatrist. Any stress from family or school, and pathological family dynamics that are identified should be corrected as soon as possible.
Tips for preventing obesity:
Tips for weight loss:
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Leading Expert Experienced Neuro Psychiatrist | 5 Star Rated | Top Best Psychiatry Clinic | Chennai, India | Depression / Head ache / Anxiety / Stress / Child Behavior / Dementia | Online / Video/ Telemed Consult / Counselling
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