Childhood obesity has been a social phenomenon for the last 10-20 years. There are extended studies and findings on this topic, especially from the last five years. The number of overweight or severely obese children is steadily increasing. This article sheds light on why this is so and at what point a child is also considered overweight. In particular, it is worth taking a look at the consequences and late effects of being overweight in early childhood. It is important to act in time and to derive good recommendations. For this purpose, there are generally valid indications as well as individual assistance.

Why is the number of overweight children increasing?

The main reason for the significant increase in overweight children is life circumstances. Nowadays, there is an overabundant supply of food and the intensity of exercise is very limited. In particular, foods with a very high energy content have become very widespread in the last two decades. Added to this is the lack of exercise among children and the over offer of alternative leisure activities such as television or computers and tablets.

Accordingly, it is not surprising that overall physical fitness atrophies. A lack of exercise combined with excessive calorie intake inevitably leads to obesity. The consequences are dramatic, because especially when the body is imprinted at such an early age, accompanying symptoms manifest themselves in the long term.

When is a child considered overweight?

The classification of a child as overweight or obese is also based on the so-called Body Mass Index, also abbreviated to BMI. However, this is not recorded in a basic table, but is calculated individually. The result is compared with the average of the entire group. If, by the way, only 10 % of the remaining children considered have an even higher BMI, then one’s own child is considered overweight. If it is only 3 %, then one is talking about obesity, i.e. severe overweight, in children. This separate individual determination makes the comparison and grading of overweight much more accurate and reliable.

What are the consequences of childhood obesity?

The consequences of overweight, which already occurs in childhood, are so drastic because overweight children very often also become overweight adults. Once manifested so early, the consequences are usually never overcome. The negative consequences are usually similar to those of adults, for example the accumulation of type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular diseases such as high blood pressure or an increased risk of heart attack. But the weakening of the musculoskeletal system also affects the joints and back muscles, for example. Late complications are therefore more likely to occur.

Further restrictions are to be expected in the metabolism, and fatty degeneration of the liver and the occurrence of gallstones will also be more frequent. The entire lung system and breathing are also negatively affected. The formation of the hormone balance, which still progresses strongly in childhood, is also negatively affected. So there are enough reasons to act and do something.

What can be done?

Any form of practising positive behaviour will have a good effect. For example, practising routines and daily routines together is also important. Regular buffer zones where you don’t sit in front of the screen but go for a walk or exercise outside will be a first right step. In addition to training movements together and discovering how to have fun, nutrition is also a relevant component. Cooking more yourself and paying attention to your diet is important. Sweets and fatty foods should be kept to a minimum. Only if parents stand by and participate and invest the time will a positive result be achieved. So it is in all our hands.