Child obesity often also called childhood obesity is the phenomenon of obesity in children and young adults.
Only a small percentage of children suffer from child obesity caused by hormonal problems. Some children may also have a propensity to be obese due to hereditary factors.
Parents and guardians must be involved with the treatment of a child’s obesity.
A diet diary can be used to study eating patterns and identify foods the child has a weakness for. The diet plan of the obese child can then be developed keeping these patterns in mind.
Child obesity is on the increase and there is a growing degree of alarm about the increasing prevalence of overweight among children.
A child can modify behavior patterns more rapidly and easily than an adult.
An obese child is often the butt of jokes in the playground. While treating child obesity it is important to provide the child with positive reinforcement. Do teach the child how to turn negative remarks into positive statements to help keep up his self esteem.
In treatment of child obesity it helps to involve children in their treatment. Children should be encouraged to ask questions. Simple words can be used to explain why they need to follow a diet plan and increase physical movement.