Written by Sindhuja Prabhu
Obesity does not affect just adults, it affects kids too. Obesity in toddlers is a health issue on the rise. Childhood obesity is fast becoming an epidemic in both developed and developing countries. In fact in 2020, 39 million children under the age of 5 were overweight or obese (1). With changing lifestyles and food choices, many toddlers are gaining too much weight too fast and are becoming obese.
When we look at a kid, we first notice how cute they are. For most people, this cuteness is directly proportional to how chubby they are, or how big their cheeks are. A chubby toddler can look cute but what if they are overweight? Chubby or obese, where do we draw the line? Come, let’s find out more about obesity in toddlers in this article.
In This Article
Obesity is a medical condition that causes one to gain too much weight too quickly. Excess fat accumulation in the body leads to weight gain and various other health issues. Earlier, obesity in kids was a concern only in the developed countries. Today, with various lifestyle changes, kids in developing countries are also becoming obese.
Majority of the obese kids belong to developing nations. It is more prevalent among the urban population of the developing nations. According to WHO, the rate of increase in the number of obese kids in developing countries is more than 30% (2).
If your toddler exhibits any of the following signs, it could be more than just a cute and chubby face-
If your toddler is overweight, you need to consult your pediatrician and a good nutritionist. They, together can help you to find the right diet for your toddler. In general, you can do the following to manage your toddler’s weight-
Following a healthy lifestyle from a young age offers many benefits as one grows up. Here are 5 tips to help your toddler stay healthy (5)-
Physical activity is a must for a toddler’s healthy development. Toddlers have a lot of energy and love physical play. Let your little one play outdoors, run or jump around, and just explore their physical limits. Regular physical activity can aid in better development and reduce the risk of obesity. Playing or exercising as a family will encourage toddlers to move more.
Include fresh fruits, vegetables, nuts, and other nutritious foods in your toddler’s diet. A healthy balanced diet with sufficient nutrients and fiber will help the body digest the food and absorb the nutrients better. Reducing the consumption of junk and processed foods can help prevent obesity in toddlers. Model a good diet as a family. Toddlers tend to eat what everyone around them eats.
Toddlers have all the time in the world. They don’t understand the concept of time. While it can be easy to just go with their flow – let them eat, sleep, or play when they want, a routine is important. Waking up, eating, and going to bed around the same time every day will help toddlers sleep and eat better. Their bodies and metabolism will function better, thus reducing the risk of obesity.
For many households, screen time can be the easiest and the most effective way to occupy energetic toddlers. However, in the long run, screen time will gradually increase and physical activities will decrease. Sitting for long hours rather than moving around is a major cause of obesity. Screen time can also lead to poor concentration, lack of focus, and low-quality sleep, all of which can lead to poor performance. If you have to give them screen time, try videos with physical activities in them.
Toddlers tend to fall sick often due to their immune system that is still developing. Never ignore any medical issue and always consult a doctor before you give them any medicines. Certain illnesses can have a lasting effect on the toddler’s health if you don’t attend to them in time. Recurrent illnesses, no matter how small they are, can affect a toddler’s growth and immunity. As a result, it can be difficult to lead a healthy life.
Obesity affects kids just like it affects adults. Some of the side effects of obesity in toddlers are-
If your toddler is on the chubbier side, it is natural to wonder if they are obese. Especially when numerous people mention your toddler’s weight or size in comparison to their kids. Sometimes it can be overweight and sometimes, it can just be weight proportionate to the toddler’s birth weight. Discuss your concerns with their pediatrician rather than trying to fix their diet or trying to reduce their weight.
Obesity can affect children as young as 2-years-old. It is more noticeable in children around the age of 5 or 6 years as they are constantly growing and changing in the first few years of their lives.
Following a healthy lifestyle can help control and sometimes even outgrow obesity in toddlers. However, many kids continue to have it even when they become adults. The only way to control childhood obesity is by maintaining a healthy lifestyle and maintaining the BMI as the kid grows.
References
Sindhuja, a mother of two, is an obsessive mom with a keen interest in psychology, especially child psychology. Her quest for knowledge and way with words led her to become a passionate content writer. She transformed her love for writing into a full-fledged career which incidentally also turned up being the perfect stress buster for the last 5 years.Read more.
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