There being overweight children is not a new phenomenon, overweight humans can certainly date back as far as 25,000 BC after the discovery of the “Venus of Willendorf,” statuette. This limestone figurine clearly depicts a young, obese, female.
Of course, it is impossible to know of the prevalence of weight health issues during past millennia, there being no written or visual records. But as more enlightened times dawned physicians started to recognize and write about obesity.
The ancient Greek physician Hippocrates, often referred to as the father of modern medicine, described obesity as a disease in antiquity, which was known to have existed in the Paleolithic era.
Obesity in the Modern Era
In the latter half of the 19th century, being fat began to carry with it a stigmatized image as being unattractive or even unclean. Come the 20th century, the association with obesity being linked to increased mortality was recognized.
Following the industrial revolution, the working environment for millions of people became less labor intensive, making them less physically active. And soon after that people enjoyed more accessible transport systems, and of course the motor car. Populations across the world started to live more sedentary lives, leading to weight health issues.
However, it wasn’t until the 20th century that obesity was recognized by the World Health Organization (WHO) in 1997, as having reached epidemic levels, stating the cases of obesity had tripled since 1975.
Weight Health Issues in the Young
At the Children’s Health and Weight Control Center Bangkok, the potential harm that being overweight can cause children is well recognized. The center specializes solely in treating weight and obesity health issues in the young. The dedicated team are all specialists in the treatment and prevention of weight related health issues,
Being overweight or obese in childhood will increase the risk of developing numerous chronic diseases, such as type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, excessive levels of cholesterol, and many other cardiovascular health issues later in life.
There are also extremely negative psychosocial attachments to being obese as a child, over-weight children often suffer bullying, which can lead to low self-esteem, social detachment and depression. Over time, this can lead a child to become psychologically unwell and require specialist treatment.
Causes of Childhood Obesity
Genetics can play a role in a child being predisposed to obesity. Within the human body, on chromosome 16 there is the fat mass and obesity-associated gene, referred to as the FTO gene. This gene influences, and controls, an individual’s energy levels, metabolism and body weight.
It is important to realize that obesity is a complex issue, with many mitigating factors, this makes it difficult to be precise on the exact percentage of propensity towards obesity that can be directly attributed to heritability. Results from various research programs vary considerably but suggest that genetic obesity can be as low as 40%, or as high as 70%.
Lifestyle can also have a considerable influence on a person’s weight. A diet which is high in calorific intake and low on nutrients will very quickly lead to weight health issues. A lack of exercise, or any physical activity and inadequate levels of sleep are all pointers towards childhood obesity.
Stress and trauma in a young person’s life will very often lead to weight health issues. A child may be being bullied or feel that they are unable to fully engage in certain activities due to their weight. This can lead to psychological stress which can often manifest itself with a child turning to food as comfort.
Physical trauma can have a similar effect. Following an accident, a child’s mobility might be impaired, or they may be physically scarred. Such factors can lead to a child withdrawing into themselves and turning to food for comfort.
There are also parental and environmental factors to consider when assessing childhood obesity. Does a child have access to healthy foods, and has a child been encouraged from an early age to consume healthy foods? Does a child have access to places where they can participate in physical activity safely?
Another crucial factor in childhood obesity in the 21st century cannot be overlooked. The vast majority of young people have, or have access to, a smart phone. The amount of screen time spent by youngsters is increasing at an alarming rate. There now being a plethora of video games and social media applications, smart phone screen time is becoming an addiction.
Video games and social media applications are addictive and encourage a sedentary lifestyle. The advancements in technology cannot be removed from our lives, but the lives of the young need to be managed, which comes down to responsible parenting.
Weight Health Issues Prevention and Treatment
Prevention will always be better than cure. The Children’s Health and Weight Control Center understands this better than any other similar facility. The specialists will treat all weight related health issues whilst also guiding and advising parents and guardians.
In today’s world technology plays a vital role in all fields of medicine. From assessment, diagnostics through to treatment, at the Children’s Health and Weight Control Center, at Samitivej Hospital’s Srinakarin campus technology melds with knowledge and expertise to provide an unrivalled service.
In treating the physical side of obesity, accurate data analysis is vital. The center utilizes the most up-to-date computerized systems to aid the doctors in pinpointing the causes, extent and individual risk of obesity-related diseases.
With young people’s propensity towards wanting constant screen time, this can be used as an aid in treating a child’s issues with body weight. The highly trained staff may advise on the use of mobile apps and wearable devices, such as fitness trackers and smartwatches. This allows an individual to be an active participant in their treatment.
Applications that promote physical activity, help to monitor calorific intake, self-awareness and accountability are valuable tools in the treatment and prevention of weight related diseases. With the expert tutoring and guidance from the center’s specialists, each individual then becomes empowered in their own treatment. Psychologically, this helps improve the child’s mind to body positivity.
Other treatments may also be necessary due to a child’s obesity, treatment for diabetes, hypertension, joint problems, particularly the knees and hips which can lead to osteoarthritis are all treated by the center’s skilled team of physicians. Within the team there are internationally trained cardiologists to treat and advise patients with heart health issues due to obesity.
The Children’s Health and Weight Control Center, at Samitivej Hospital’s Srinakarin campus, is the most complete facility for treatment of weight related health issues in young people. The center’s reputation is international, and now treats patients, not just from within the kingdom and resident expats, but from across the world.
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