By : N.M.

Shamila Lakmali Nishshanka

 Introduction
Childhood obesity is a complex health issue. It
occurs when a child is well above the normal or
healthy weight for his or her age and height.
The causes of excess weight gain in young
people are similar to those in adults, including
behavior and genetics. Obesity is also influenced
by a person’s community as it can affect the
ability to make healthy choices.
 Leading causes of weight gain and
obesity
1. Genetics
2. Engineered junk foods
3. Food addiction
4. Aggressive marketing
5. Insulin
6. Certain medications
7. Leptin resistance
8. Food availability
9. Sugar
10. Misinformation
 1. Genetics
Some children appear to be genetically
susceptible to weight gain and obesity.
 2. Engineered junk foods
By making foods as tasty as possible food
manufacturers are trying to increase sales. But
they also promote overeating.
 3. Food adiction
Some children experience strong food cravings
or addiction. This especially applies to sugar-
sweetened high-fat junk foods which stimulate
the reward centers in the brain.
 4. Aggressive marketing
Junk food producers are very aggressive
marketers. Food producers spend a lot of money
marketing junk foods, sometimes specifically
targeting children, who don’t have the knowledge
and experience to realize they are being misled.
 5. Insulin
High insulin levels and insulin resistance are
linked to the development of obesity. To lower
insulin levels, reduce intake of refined crabs and
eat more fiber.
 6. Certain medication
Some medications may promote weight gain by
reducing the number of calories burned or
increasing appetite.
many pharmaceutical drugs can cause weight
gain as a side effects.
eg : Antidepressants have been linked to
modest weight gain over time.
 7. Leptin resistance
Leptin is another hormone that plays an
important role in obesity. Leptin an appetite –
reducing hormone doesn’t work in many obese
individuals.
 8. Food availability
In some areas, finding fresh whole foods may
be difficult or expensive, leaving people no choice
but to buy unhealthy junk foods.
 9. Sugar
Scientists believe that excessive sugar intake
may be one of the main causes of obesity.
 10. Misinformation
Misinformation may contribute to weight gain
in some people. It can also make weight loss more
difficult.
Rates
1. BMI ( Body Mass Index )
2. Glucose Tolerance
eg : FBS, OGTT
3. Blood Pressure
4. Cholesterol levels
 Complications of childhood obesity
Childhood obesity can be harmful to children in
several ways; such as;
 High Blood Pressure
 High Cholesterol
Type 2 Diabetes
 Breathing Problems
eg : Asthma, Sleeping apnea
 Greater risk of Social and Psychological problems
eg : Discrimination low self- esteem
 Complications of childhood obesity
Ctd …
 Liver Diseases
 Bone and joint problems
 Skin infections due to moisture from sweat being
trapped in skin folds
 Fatigue
 Earlier than normal puberty or menstruation
 Eating disorders such as anorexia or bulimia
 Some forms of cancers
Treatments

1. Dietary advices
2. Exercises
3. Medication
 Dietary advices
 Serve a variety of healthy foods and eat family
meals together as often as possible.
 Encourage kids to eat breakfast everyday.
 Have at least five servings of fruits and
vegetables daily.
 Limit sugar – sweetened beverages.
Exercises
 Be active together and motivate your children to
be active
 Encourage lots of free playtime outside
 Try to use the car less. Walk or cycle to school,
the shop or to a friends house
 Help your child find a balance between organized
sport; fun activities and individual sports like
swimming and dancing
Recommended treatments for childhood obesity
Treatments usually includes changes in your
child’s eating habits and physical activity level in
certain circumstances, treatment might include
medications or weight loss surgery.
The best way to treat obesity is to eat healthy
reduced calorie diet and exercises regularly.
To do this, your child will have to taken medical
treatments and it should be recommended by your
GP or Pediatrician.
 Preventing Childhood Obesity
Childhood obesity is not a simple issue. By
taking action and educating children about the
contributing factors to childhood obesity, parents
can support healthy lifestyle for their children
and help prevent this growing concern.
Parents and caregivers can help prevent
childhood obesity such as ;
 Make a favorite dish healthier
 Drink water
 Incorporate healthy snacks
 Teach kids about serving size
 Preventing Childhood Obesity ctd…
 Get 60 minutes of physical activity per day
 Limit screen time
eg : watching television and video tapes
 BMI percentile
Children with a BMI in the 85th percentile and
above are at risk for being overweight or
obese.
 Things to Remember .....
 Involve the whole family in healthy eating and
activity.
 Encourage active play and sport.
 Limit sedentary activities, such as television,

screen games and computers to no more

than one hour a day.
Have a good day and
Healthier future
for your child

Thank You.