Obesity is a common health complication in the U.S. According to recent data by the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) adult obesity rates are now over 35% in seven states, 30% in 29 states and 25% in 48 states. Obesity doesn’t only strike the adults though as kids from this generation are very prone to it as well. As such, health screenings for children have become more crucial.
The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) notes that obesity among 2 to 5 year olds is at 13.9%, 18.4% among 6 to 11 year olds and 20.6% among 12 to 19 year old. What is even more alarming is the fact that childhood obesity is more prevalent in other populations. As parents, we must strive to make sure that our kids are as healthy as possible. It is not enough to use weight gain as a basis for a child’s obesity so checkups under the guidance of a pediatrician in Lubbock is necessary.
Health screenings for children allow parents to gain a professional insight on their child’s current state of health. There are various forms of screenings which include diabetes, lead poisoning, tuberculosis and more. Of course, there are health screenings for obesity as well and this is highly recommended.
The recommended age of obesity screening starts at the age of 2. This might be too young as some parents may think but as what we’ve learned from health screenings in Lubbock, obesity strikes at an early age. It is also easier to resolve while it is still starting to develop. Luckily for parents, there are various institutions that offer newborn health screenings in Lubbock.
According to experts, a child’s weight status must be assessed by a professional at least once a year. Medical practitioners will measure a child’s weight, height, as well as age and sex to determine his body mass index (BMI). This useful metric allows practitioners to determine a child’s health at a glance. Ideally, parents would not want their child to fall under the 85th-94th percentile on the growth chart as this would mean their child is overweight. If their child falls under the 95th percentile and above, then that means they are obese. Since there are a lot of factors to add in, special checkups like newborn health screenings in Lubbock are always necessary.
Calculating your own BMIs is possible without the use of medical help. However, it is a completely different case for children so specialties like health screenings in Lubbock are a must to make sure that all data is accurate. Any false information could mean a matter of life and death for the child.
Once a child’s BMI is calculated, specialists like a pediatrician in Lubbock will inform the parents of what they could do to help the child ease out of obesity. Letting children or newborns go on an unsupervised diet is in no way recommended by health experts. This could give the child further health complications.
Parents must make sure to follow the diet and prescription plan of doctors and pediatricians. This is the best way for their child to recover from obesity. If they follow the treatment faithfully, then their kids will live a long and healthy life.
Now that we’ve gone through on how parents can control their child’s weight, it is time to take a closer look at obesity and the problems it can cause.
What Causes Obesity And What Does It Cause?
Obesity is caused by various factors. This includes an excessive intake of calories, living an inactive lifestyle, lack of sleep, and hormonal issues. In some cases, obesity is hereditary. This makes the condition more worrying as it is not enough to just keep our kids on a healthy diet.
The medical complications that come with obesity are staggering. Adults themselves have trouble coping with the issues that come with obesity. This goes without saying that obesity will have a bigger impact on an innocent child’s life.
Obesity could lead to other health issues such as diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, respiratory disorders, cancer, and more. Their bones and joints will also suffer from the weight it has to carry on a regular basis. Physical conditions aside, obesity also has repercussions for a child’s mental health.
Children who are obese or overweight could be subjected to bullying at school or wherever they are. The remarks and abuse they get will also leave a lasting impression on their lives.
Childhood obesity is one of the major problems in the U.S. as with most health complications, prevention is the best cure. Parents should be responsible enough to guide their children towards a healthy life. As such, they must regularly consult medical experts regarding such matters as their children can’t do it on their own. Although the process to get out of obesity is hard, it is very doable and the rewards it has for the parents and their children are worth it.