Is it a blessing to be fat when you are young? You will become thinner when you grow up? I didn’t expect that the impact of childhood obesity will continue to…

Expert of this article: Yu Ling, attending physician of Tangshan Lubei District Maternal and Child Health Hospital, member of Hebei Province Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine Sleep Association

This article was reviewed by Li Congzhe, Associate Chief Physician, Department of Pediatrics, Tangshan Central Hospital

The Chinese New Year is coming soon, and many people will take their children back to their elders' homes for a reunion. The elderly are very happy to see their grandchildren whom they haven't seen for a long time. They prepare a large table of food early, and while picking up food for the children, they keep saying:

"You've lost weight, eat more!"

"Eat well and you will be blessed!"

Such a scene may have occurred in every family. Today I want to tell you that this idea is wrong!

How to determine whether a child is obese?

Childhood obesity simply means that the weight of children exceeds the normal range due to various reasons.

A relatively simple way to judge is to monitor the child's weight and look at the trend of weight gain. We should have regular physical examinations from birth, measure the child's height and weight, and monitor growth and development. Parents learning from doctors how to use growth curves is a key lesson in understanding children's physical development.

When evaluating whether a child is fat or thin, for babies under 2 years old, we can mark them on the height-weight curve to make a judgment. According to the WHO standard, a weight above the 98th percentile is considered overweight. In general, in practical applications, we use the 97th percentile as the standard.

For children over 2 years old, there are two diagnostic criteria for obesity:

The body mass index for age, which we usually call BMI, is calculated by weight (kg)/height squared (m2). If a child's BMI is between P85-P95 of the reference value for the same gender and age group, he or she is overweight, and if it exceeds P95, he or she is obese.

Obesity is judged by weight relative to height or length. Among people of the same gender and age group, if the weight relative to height (height) is between P85 and P97, it is considered overweight, and if it is greater than P97, it is considered obese.

In the minds of the older generation, the best way for children to have a strong body is to have a strong mouth. They always hope that their children can eat more and eat better, and they always think that "little fat boys" are healthier and cuter. Although parents do not want their children to be fat, they still hope that their children can be far ahead in the growth curve.

Generally speaking, there is a misunderstanding that being a little fat when you are young is fine, and you will naturally lose weight when you grow up! Whether in the past or now, these ideas are too common! More and more data show that overweight and obesity in infants and children will continue into adulthood . With an attitude of being responsible for the future health of children, we should pay attention to the weight of children.

What factors contribute to childhood obesity?

① Heredity: Parental obesity is a risk factor for children to become obese. Studies have confirmed that polygenic inheritance plays an important role in the occurrence and development of obesity, increasing the susceptibility of children to obesity.

② Intrauterine nutrition: Malnutrition or overnutrition of the mother during pregnancy is significantly related to the risk of obesity in childhood and later in life . If the child is born with too low or too high a birth weight, it will increase the risk of obesity in the future.

③Bad living habits in childhood: One of them is known to everyone, that is, dietary factors . Children's daily diet is not balanced. Intake of high-energy foods and sugary drinks will increase children's extra energy intake. These foods are often low in nutritional value, such as some fast food, puffed food, etc. If children always consume such low-quality food, the obesity rate will increase greatly. Therefore, it is recommended that parents create a healthy eating environment for their children and eat foods rich in crude fiber in moderation.

Another point is that children do not get enough exercise every day. In today's life, children are exposed to electronic devices and their in-class and extracurricular learning time is prolonged, which increases their sitting time and reduces the energy consumed by exercise. Children's lack of exercise and rich nutrition will lead to overweight or obesity.

What are the dangers of childhood obesity?

Cardiovascular system: can cause hypertension, dyslipidemia, early arteriosclerosis, etc.;

Endocrine system: It can cause insulin resistance, increase the risk of type 2 diabetes, and may also promote sexual maturity;

Respiratory system: Increase the incidence of asthma and cause respiratory and sleep disorders;

Digestive system: Increased risk of fatty liver and fat metabolism disorders;

Psychological behavior and cognition: For example, obese children are always worried about being laughed at and rejected by others, lacking self-confidence, and affecting social interaction, which leads to a series of psychological problems. This situation should be checked and treated in time.

How to prevent childhood obesity?

① During pregnancy, mothers should control their weight, follow the doctor's advice, and avoid excessive nutrition;

② After the child is born, breastfeeding is encouraged, regular physical examinations are conducted to ensure the normal growth and development of the child, and complementary foods are added appropriately;

③ Older children need to strengthen their eating behavior management, eat regularly, develop good eating habits, have regular physical examinations, and detect problems in a timely manner.

When do you need medical attention?

Please pay attention to your child's weight, especially for children with a BMI ≥ 95 percentile (for children of the same age and gender, applicable age ≥ 2 years old), and take your child for regular physical examinations. If you are anxious at any time, please consult a doctor in time and let the doctor help you relieve your anxiety.