Baby fat or health risk?

More and more children are suffering from obesity. Lack of exercise and poor nutrition are the main factors for overweight, also known as obesity, in children. It is not always easy for parents to distinguish where the line lies between healthy baby fat and an increased health risk. But it is precisely this that is important to recognize in order to prevent serious health consequences and to promote the child's development in a healthy way.

Causes of weight gain

There are many different reasons why children gain weight. It varies depending on the stage of development. Children gain a lot of weight in the first few months of life. When they start walking and crawling, they start to lose weight. Weight gain occurs again when children start school, as they move less than they did in kindergarten. Weight fluctuations during growth phases are usually normal, provided that the weight regulates itself.

Consequences of weight gain

If children are overweight, it can lead to various health risks that extend into adulthood. Diabetes, heart and circulatory diseases, lipid metabolism disorders, diseases of the ankle, knee and hip joints, and hormonal disorders are all consequences of being overweight. However, fatty liver disease and inflammation, gallstones, and shortness of breath when moving or lying down can also occur as other symptoms. In addition, mental illnesses such as depression or eating disorders can lead to a generally reduced quality of life for children.

At what age are children overweight?

As mentioned above, body weight depends on the child's stage of development. However, you can still use the following calculation of the body mass index as a guide:

Body weight / height ² (kg/m ² ) = BMI percentile

BMI percentile	Estimation
< 10	Underweight
10 - 90	Normal weight
90 - 97	Obesity
97 - 99.5	Obesity
> 99.5	Extreme obesity

In any case, the assessment of physical health should be left to a specialist.

Tips for obesity

In order to avoid the health consequences of obesity in children, the following measures can be helpful and useful:

1) Healthy behaviors

Parents are role models for children. Family activities outdoors with lots of sport and exercise not only create fun for the children, but also prevent obesity. It is recommended that parents and children exercise for at least an hour a day and take 12,000 steps a day on more than three days a week. Changing habits gradually can help bring about long-term changes. Additional praise for children can have a positive effect on their motivation and perseverance.

2) Proper nutrition

Proper nutrition is the key to children's health. It helps to maintain an adequate weight. In addition to fruit and vegetables, eating regular and varied meals is very important. These ensure that children have basic nutrients and enough energy for the day. Eating together prevents distractions and promotes a sense of togetherness. Involving children in cooking is not only fun, but also an effective learning effect by educating them about healthy foods.

3) Social contacts

Social contacts are particularly important in childhood. They ensure that children's media consumption is reduced. They also encourage active activities, which can prevent weight gain.

Conclusion on childhood obesity

Weight gain in childhood is normal and part of development. However, it is important that weight fluctuations that do not regulate themselves are monitored. In order to counteract obesity and its consequences in children, a varied diet and generally healthy behavior with sufficient exercise help to ensure healthy child development.

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