There is no doubt that child obesity is one of the greatest health concerns of today. However, like most other things there has been a lot of hype about this issue in the media with voices raised for government intervention and need for some kind of large-scale social reforms. In spite of all these overrated responses there are a few fundamental facts that one needs to be aware of.

In developed countries, availability of food in abundance at lower costs ensures that no one, with the exception of the poorest, is in danger of starving. While this is something to be appreciated, the quality of the food consumed by today’s generation is not. Fast food chains, convenience foods and countless varieties of lip smacking snacks are omnipresent, which means people are tempted to consume more calories than they need.

In addition, internet, TV and computer games have made this generation to lead a more sedentary life when compared to past decades. Their time spend in physical activity has been greatly reduced, making children of today to be heavier in general. Also they are more inclined to consume foods that are rich in fat and complex sugars instead of fruits, vegetables, whole grains and fibre rich foods. All this put together invariably leads to obesity for some.

Unlike adults, because of their rapid growth and fast changing metabolism, obesity is measured slightly different for children. In addition to BMI children’s age and gender is taken into consideration for a more accurate calculation.

While a BMI of 30 and more is considered to indicate obesity in adults, a child is pronounced obese at the 95th percentile by the Centres for Disease Control (CDC). Another important measure is the body fat percentage and this too differs with gender. For instance, a body fat percentage of 25 or more of the total body weight is taken as an indication for obesity in boys but for girls the indication is set at 32%.

This difference is mainly due to the fact that the percentage of body fat is naturally higher for females throughout their lives. While the percentage of body fat for a healthy male is about 15%, it is about 27% for females.

Irrespective of age and gender the only way to reduce weight is to follow a balanced and nutritious diet along with sensible and regular exercise. For this one has to make some lifestyle changes which fortunately can be brought about easily in case of children. Once good habits are established at a young age it becomes very easy to carry them over to their teen years and to maintain throughout their adulthood.

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