Health
Obesity: Unhealthy Eating Habits in Children
Obesity: Unhealthy Eating Habits in Children
Unhealthy eating habits in children have become a growing concern worldwide, as they significantly contribute to the rising prevalence of childhood obesity. Obesity not only affects a child’s physical health but also has a profound impact on their psychological well-being and overall quality of life: Obesity: Unhealthy Eating Habits in Children.
In this article, we will explore the symptoms, causes and effects of unhealthy eating habits in children, as well as discuss some preventive measures parents and caregivers can take to foster a healthier future for our younger generation.
History And Meaning
Overweight was a sign of prosperity, strength, and fertility throughout the Stone Age, Middle Ages, and 17th century, however Hippocrates already identified obesity as an illness in the Ancient.
But recently, childhood obesity has become a significant problem in many countries. Overweight children often face stigma and suffer from emotional, psychological, and social problems. Obesity can negatively impact a child’s education and future socioeconomic status.
Around nine million American children over the age of six, including teenagers, were obese in 2004. In addition, the prevalence of obesity in children aged 2 to 5 and 6 to 11 more than doubled in the 1980s and 1990s. In the United States, there were 20% of children aged 6 to 19 who were obese by 2015. More estimates revealed that in some rural sections of the nation, more than 30% of school-age children were obese. Other parts of the world also experienced similar rises.
Obesity is a condition when there is too much body fat, which raises the risk of health issues. When one consumes more calories than you burn via exercise and everyday activities, you are more likely to become obese.
A person is considered obese if they have a body mass index of 30 or higher. Excessive body fat, which raises the risk of significant health issues, is the primary symptom. Dietary and activity modifications are the cornerstone of treatment.
Common Symptoms of Obesity in Children
Thousands of children all around the world are now affected by childhood obesity. When a child’s body develops too much of body fat, health problem arises. To address this rising issue and encourage children to develop healthy habits, it is important to recognize the symptoms of obesity and they include:
- Increased body weight: A notable rise in body weight is one of the most obvious signs of childhood obesity. Using the child’s body mass index (BMI), the excess weight can be measured, which is based on their height and weight. The standard for classifying a child as obese is if their BMI is at or above the 95th percentile for their age and gender.
- Abdominal fat accumulation: Children who are obese usually accumulate fats around their abdomens, giving them an apple-shaped figure. This abnormal fat in the abdomen, increase the risk of diabetes, metabolic disorder and heart diseases.
Recognizing the symptoms is important for early intervention and effective treatment. Parents, guidance and healthcare professionals should be aware the signs and endeavor to take appropriate measures to promote a healthy lifestyle.
Unhealthy Eating Habit As A Cause of Childhood Obesity
This factor plays a significant role in the development of childhood obesity. Children who ear a lot of confections, processed meals and drinks are at the risk of becoming obese. These are studied causes of unhealthy eating habits in children:
- Processed food: The abundance of processed and convenient foods, heavy in sugar, unhealthy fats and artificial additives, has made it easy for children to develop an appetite for unhealthy meals.
- Sedentary lifestyle: Due to the growing use of smartphones, tablets and video games, children tend to spend more time indoors doing monotonous activities rather than doing active things.
- Parental influence: Parents are extremely important in determining a child’s eating habits. Children are more prone to develop similar eating habits if parents observe unhealthy eating habits.
- Provocative marketing of junks: The constant promotion of sugary snacks and fast meals can influence the appetites and cravings of children.
Common Examples of Unhealthy Eating Habits in Children
- Overconsumption of foods high in sugar, fat and salt.
- Eating unhealthy snacks.
- Eating when not hungry.
- Refusal to eat vegetables or fruits.
- Overeating & comfort eating.
- Drinking too much sugary drinks.
- Skipping breakfast and eating at irregular hours.
Effects of Unhealthy Eating Habits in Children
- Childhood obesity: Unhealthy eating habits are a significant factor to the rising rates of child obesity. Excessive consumption of nutritionally poor foods can lead to excessive weight gain.
- Increased risk of chronic diseases: Children who are obese are more prone to experience early onset of chronic conditions like heart diseases, diabetes and types of cancer. Their health may be adversely affected by these in the future.
- Mental health issues: Bullying and body image problems in children with obesity may lead to low self-esteem, despair, and social isolation, which can have a negative impact on their mental health.
- Reduced academic performance: A child’s cognitive capacities and attention span might be affected by unhealthy eating habits, which could result in subpar academic performance and impeded learning.
- Developmental delays: As a result of eating unhealthily, a child can gain excess body weight which could put a strain in the child’s growing bones and muscles; hindering the ability to move freely and develop motor skills. These delays could hinder a child’s ability to engage in common physical activities and could lead to a vicious cycle of weight gain.
The Role of Government in Combating Childhood Obesity
Globally, there is a significant epidemic of childhood obesity, which has serious effects on current generations’ health and welfare. Governments all around the world should actively combat childhood obesity as a result of their awareness of the importance of this issue. Governments should strive to create a welcoming atmosphere that supports healthy decisions and behaviors through a variety of initiatives and legislation, which include:
- Education and awareness: Governments have a crucial duty to increase public knowledge of the factors that lead to childhood obesity and its effects. They can run educational initiatives aimed at parents, kids, and teachers, stressing the value of a healthy diet and frequent exercise. These education campaigns encourage wholesome eating practices from a young age and assist people in making educated nutritional decisions.
- School-based intervention: As schools are where kids spend a lot of their time, governments can put in place regulations that support a healthier atmosphere there. This can involve providing wholesome meals, expanding opportunities for exercise, and adding nutrition instruction into the curriculum. In order to promote the consumption of healthy foods, governments might also push schools to restrict the supply of unhealthy snacks and drinks.
- Controlling food marketing: Governments have a responsibility to control the promotion of unhealthy food products to children. Stricter regulations governing the advertising of processed, high-fat, and sugary meals can protect children from deceptive marketing strategies and promote the intake of healthier options.
- Taxation and subsidies: To promote healthy eating choices, governments can use fiscal measures. Governments deter the use of sugary drinks, high-calorie snacks, and fast meals by levying fees on them while also raising money for health-related programs. Moreover, subsidies might be offered on wholesome meals like fresh produce to lower their costs and increase accessibility, especially for low-income families.
- Urban planning and infrastructure: Fighting childhood obesity requires creating surroundings that encourage physical exercise. Governments can make investments in infrastructure projects like parks, green spaces, and bike lanes to encourage children to play actively and use active transportation. In order to ensure easy access to fresh and healthy food options, urban planning might also place a premium on closeness to grocery stores and farmers markets.
- Collaboration with stakeholders: To treat pediatric obesity as a whole, governments can promote cooperation with healthcare providers, nonprofit groups, and private sector organizations. They can implement comprehensive and long-lasting solutions by cooperating and combining their resources, skills, and knowledge. Through innovation, research, and policy creation sparked by this collaboration, interventions could become more efficient.
Preventive Measures For Parents And Caregivers
- Role-modeling healthy eating: Parents should set an example for their children by include fresh fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins in family meals. This will teach kids the value of a balanced diet.
- Reducing consumption of processed foods and sugary drinks: Minimizing the consumption of too much calories can be achieved by encouraging water consumption and restricting the consumption of sugary beverages and high-fat foods.
- Emphasizing on physical activity: Limiting screen time and encouraging physical activity and outdoor play can help children keep a healthy weight and improve their overall fitness.
- Involving children in meal planning and preparation: Engaging children in meal planning and cooking activities cultivates their interest in healthy foods and empowers them to make better food choices.
- Education and awareness: This can aid children in making educated dietary selections by educating them on the value of nutrition and the harmful repercussions of unhealthful eating habits.
Conclusion
Children’s health and wellbeing are seriously threatened by unhealthy eating habits, which also cause worrying rates of obesity and related health problems. Parents and other caregivers can help children have a healthy future by addressing the causes and effects of these practices and putting preventive measures in place. This will ensure their physical, mental, and emotional well-being. Prioritizing education, having open discussions, and fostering healthy eating habits in children from an early age are crucial. We can fight childhood obesity and foster a healthier generation by working together.
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The Magnificent global Plastic and reconstructive Surgeon ‘Dr. Chukwuemeka Onyewu’ Unveiled as the latest UncutXtra magazine cover star
Dr. Chukwuemeka Onyewu, a globally trained Plastic and reconstructive surgeon who runs one of the biggest surgical hospitals in Nigeria (CASS) has just been revealed as the latest cover star of the UK-based magazine, Uncutxtra magazine. The icon who graces the cover of the 17th edition of the magazine has impressively joined the list of unique and outstanding industry professionals who have graced the cover of the magazine. In the previous editions, highly respected professionals like Ali Nuhu (superstar Actor), Paul Onwuanibe (CEO Landmark Africa), Mr. Macaroni (one of Africa’s leading comedians), Ameyaw Debra (Ghana’s leading Blogger), Serwaa Amihere (One of Ghana’s leading business tycoons), Adeola Adeyemi Diiadem, White Money (one of the winners of the Big Brother reality Tv show) and a host of high network individuals have graced the magazine’s covers.
The cover page portrays an interesting version of the surgeon, celebrating his unique achievements as the CEO of one of the leading Nigerian surgical hospitals in the country, celebrating his successes and revealing interesting facts about the practice. This edition is an embodiment of professionalism, truth, promotion of the professionals in the Nigerian industries and personal facts about the cover star and the featured stars. This edition also celebrates other Interesting articles channeled towards the beauty and health industries.
Emmanuel Alade, the CEO of UncutXtra Magazine is dedicated to celebrating exceptional individuals in their respective fields, both locally and internationally. Hence, the birth of another edition that puts the incredible surgeon and other impactful individuals on spotlight. As stated above, this edition is the 17th edition of the magazine and it is themed the ‘Health and Beauty edition.’ This edition is aimed at impacting, informing, entertaining and motivating the readers of the magazine.
In this edition, Dr. Chukwuemeka Onyewu gives a deep insight into his personal life, his career, the secrets to being successful as a plastic and reconstructive surgeon in a country like Nigeria, where many high-class Individuals would rather travel to foreign countries for their surgery needs. As one who is gradually changing the narrative through his brand and earning the trust of individuals in the country and beyond, he dissects his ‘Unique Selling points’ In his Interview.
Read Dr. Onyewu’s full interview and order a copy of the 17th edition of the UncutXtra Magazine via the Uncutxtra magazine’s website www.uncutxtramagazines.com
Follow UncutXtra Magazine on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter for more updates on the release.
Credits: Emmanuel Alade, Chief Executive Officer.
Afrobeatsglobal, Photography & Videography.
Laween Luxury, Stylist.
Website: UncutXtra Magazine. AfrobeatsGlobal. Creatrix Empire Intl.
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Exercise: Fostering Healthy Living
Exercise: Fostering Healthy Living
In order to live a healthy lifestyle, exercise is crucial. In addition to helping us maintain a healthy weight, regular exercise has a number of positive effects on our general wellbeing. Exercise has a significant positive impact on our physical and mental health, from elevating our mood to enhancing our cognitive performance. In this piece, exercise, it’s importance to a healthy lifestyle and challenges faced in engaging in workout, will be discussed in details: Exercise: “Fostering Healthy Living.”
Meaning
Exercise refers to physical activity performed to improve or maintain one’s physical fitness and overall health. It typically involves systematic and repetitive movements or actions that engage the muscles of the body. Exercise can be done in various forms, such as walking, jogging, swimming, cycling, weightlifting, and yoga. It is usually performed with the intention of building strength, endurance, flexibility, or a combination of these. Regular exercise is essential for a healthy lifestyle and can contribute to physical, mental, and emotional well-being.
The World Health Organization recommends that adults engage in at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic physical activity or 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity aerobic physical activity per week. This can be achieved through various activities such as brisk walking, jogging, swimming, cycling, or participating in team sports.
History
Human life has always involved movement, but the concept of actively exercising for greater health may have originated around 2500 B.C. China. Confucius’ teachings made reference to the need for physical exertion to prevent “organ malfunction.” This later resulted in the creation of “Cong Fu” gymnastics, probably taught by Taoist monks, which included various exercises, postures, and breathing techniques to maintain the body’s maximum functioning.
While the practice of exercise for the aim of strengthening, speed, and endurance training dates back to ancient Greece circa 600 B.C. Greek and Spartan troops were among the first to engage in workouts including lifting big rocks and carrying out construction work to build up their muscles, running long distances to develop their speed and endurance, and participating in wrestling matches to hone their fighting techniques.
Categories of Exercises
- Endurance: The breathing and heart rate increases during aerobic exercise. While enhancing your overall fitness, endurance workouts help to maintain the health of your heart, lungs, and circulatory system. Your level of endurance will rise with time, making daily tasks appear simpler. Dance, swimming, tennis, brisk walking or running, biking, and yard labor (digging, mowing, etc.) are a few examples of endurance activities.
- Strength: Strength training is necessary if you want to increase your muscular mass. Other names for strength exercises include “strength training” and “resistance training.” Your ability to complete daily duties can significantly improve with even a small improvement in strength. You can lessen your risk of having weak bones and slouching by building strong muscles and bones. Lifting weights and using a resistance band are two examples of strength exercises.
- Flexibility: Flexibility exercises are meant to stretch your muscles and keep your body limber. This gives better movement freedom for regular activities and other exercises. Your range of motion, posture, capacity for deep breathing, and circulation can all be enhanced through flexibility exercises. Additionally, it reduces the muscle tension brought on by stress. Yoga poses, calf stretches, and shoulder and upper arm stretches are a few examples of flexibility drills.
- Balance: Practicing balance exercises will help you avoid falling. Because they assist older persons maintain their independence, these workouts are particularly crucial for them. The majority of effective balance exercises keep your feet firmly planted on the ground as you move continuously. Exercises for improving balance include heel-toe walking, standing on one foot, and sitting in a chair and getting out of it without using your hands. You can also enhance your balance by performing certain lower-body strengthening activities.
Importance of Exercise
A healthy lifestyle must include physical activity. Regular exercise has various advantages for our general wellbeing and they include:
- Weight management: Regular physical exercise aids in calorie burning and muscle growth, which can result in weight loss or maintenance. Exercise also speeds up our metabolism, which makes it simpler for our bodies to burn calories all day long. The best method to reach and maintain a healthy weight is through exercise and a balanced diet.
- Decrease in the risk of chronic diseases: It has been proven to lower the chance of developing chronic conditions like cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, hypertension, and several cancers. By boosting levels of healthy cholesterol, reducing blood pressure, and strengthening the heart’s muscles, exercise promotes heart health. Additionally, regular exercise increases insulin sensitivity, lowering the risk of type 2 diabetes. Regular exercise also helps to reduce the risk of age-related cognitive decline and neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s.
- Enhances mental health: Exercise also improves our mental wellness. Endorphins, also known as the “happiness” hormones, are released when you exercise. These endorphins have a natural mood-raising effect by easing tension, anxiety, and depressive symptoms. The importance of quality sleep for our general wellbeing has been linked to regular exercise.
- Improvement of cognitive function: Studies have shown that physical activity increases blood flow to the brain, leading to improved memory, attention span, and overall cognitive performance.
- Improved physical fitness: Maintaining and enhancing physical fitness requires regular exercise. It promotes muscle strength, flexibility, and endurance while enhancing cardiovascular health. Running, cycling, swimming, or weight training are some exercises that assist build endurance and make it simpler to do daily duties. In order to avoid accidents and preserve healthy body functioning as we age, physical fitness and strength are also essential.
In today’s fast-paced, sedentary lifestyle, it’s more important than ever to prioritize exercise for a healthy living. Engaging in regular physical activity not only helps us manage weight and improve our physical appearance but also plays a crucial role in maintaining mental, emotional, and overall well-being.
Challenges Faced In Exercising
Maintaining a physically and mentally healthy lifestyle requires regular exercise. However, a lot of people frequently have a range of difficulties that make it difficult for them to maintain consistency with their workout routines. This section will examine some typical challenges people encounter while trying to exercise and offer helpful advice on how to get past these roadblocks.
- Lack of time: One of the most common challenges people faces is lack of time. Busy schedules, work commitments, and family responsibilities can make it hard to find the time to exercise. However, carving out even a few minutes for physical activity can go a long way.
- Lack of motivation: When faced with obstacles or slow results, it can be challenging to stay motivated. Long-term motivation can be difficult to maintain when there are no obvious outcomes. Finding strategies to make working out fun and interesting, however, can significantly boost your motivation.
- Physical constraints or health issues: Exercise can present additional problems due to physical restrictions or medical concerns. Modifications to your exercise program may be necessary if you have chronic pain, an injury, or a medical condition. Before beginning any workout program, especially if you have pre-existing health issues, you must speak with a healthcare provider.
- Financial constraints: Some people could be discouraged from exercising regularly due to the cost of gym memberships, equipment, or specialized fitness classes. It’s crucial to keep in mind though that exercising doesn’t have to be expensive. There are several methods to stay active without going over budget.
- Mental barrier: Sometimes the biggest obstacles to exercise are the ones we put up for ourselves mentally. We can avoid starting down the path to a better lifestyle by engaging in self-defeating thoughts, doubting our abilities, or being afraid of failing.
Practical Steps To Overcoming Exercise Challenges
- Your daily workout program should be broken up into shorter (10–15 minute) intervals. Include physical activity in your everyday routine by walking instead of taking the elevator or using a car for short errands.
- Set manageable objectives for yourself, and reward yourself when you achieve. No matter what physical activity you choose to engage in; dancing, swimming, hiking, etc. Find an exercise program that you truly like. For added motivation and accountability, think about finding a workout partner or enrolling in a group fitness class.
- Consult a licensed physical therapist, exercise specialist, or certified fitness professional for advice. These professionals can offer tailored suggestions. They can assist you in creating an exercise program that is safe and suitable for your requirements and capabilities.
- Explore affordable or free alternatives such as walking or jogging outdoors, following workout videos online, utilizing community recreational facilities, or joining local sports clubs. 5. Challenging negative thoughts and replace them with positive affirmations. Setting realistic expectations and keeping a reminder that every small step counts. Surround yourself with a supportive network of friends and family who uplift and motivate you.
Conclusion
Incorporating regular exercise into our daily routines is essential for achieving and maintaining a healthy, vibrant life. The benefits go far beyond just physical well-being, extending to mental, emotional, and cognitive aspects as well.
In conclusion, exercise is a vital component of a healthy lifestyle. Incorporating regular exercise into our daily routine is an investment in our overall well-being, ensuring a healthier and happier life.
Determination, perseverance, and an improvement-focused mindset are necessary for overcoming obstacles during training. Individuals can establish ways to maintain a consistent fitness regimen that meets their needs and goals by recognizing and addressing frequent obstacles. Keeping in mind that adopting a healthier lifestyle is a journey, and that every step you take will help you live a life of lasting wellbeing.
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