You Ask , They Answer
OBESITY IN CHILDREN AND PREVENTION
Q
: When a diagnosis of obesity is established in children , what kind of integrated obesity prevention and health management services do healthcare practitioners provide , particularly in relation to paediatric cardiac health ?
A
: Obesity in children is not as concerning as it is in adults due to children ’ s significant growth potential . If a child ’ s weight remains stable while they are growing taller , their Body Mass Index ( BMI ) will improve over time . However , this does not give us an excuse to neglect the weight and diet of young children . If a child ’ s weight is excessively high , a multidisciplinary approach should be taken to manage their condition and prevent future complications . This approach includes : 1 . Nutritional Counselling : Dietitians can create tailored plans that focus on balanced diets with reduced calorie intake and nutrient-dense foods . This way , children can lose weight without compromising their nutritional needs for growth .
2 . Exercise Programmes : Physiotherapists can recommend appropriate physical activities designed to improve cardiovascular fitness .
3 . Family-Centred Interventions : Eating habits are often influenced by family members . Unhealthy eating patterns can stem from giving in to children ’ s cravings for treats or poor coping strategies that involve overeating . Parents should be educated on how to create a supportive home environment that encourages healthier lifestyle changes . It is crucial to note that without altering the entire family ’ s habits , any lifestyle changes may not be sustainable in the long run .
Q
: Beyond obesity , what other non-communicable disease ( NCD ) risk factors can contribute to paediatric cardiac complications ?
A
: In addition to obesity , several risk factors for noncommunicable diseases ( NCDs ) can impact children ’ s heart health . These include hypertension , which puts stress on the cardiovascular system ; dyslipidaemia , which can lead to early atherosclerosis ; and type 2 diabetes mellitus , where insulin resistance increases cardiovascular risk . Physical inactivity is another concern , as sedentary lifestyles can result in poor cardiovascular fitness . Other risk factors are such as poor dental hygiene and infection of the heart , do cause cardiac complications .
Q
: How significant is the prevalence of childhood obesity on a global scale , and what are its primary causes ? How does this impact heart health in children ?
A
: According to a report by the World Health Organization
( WHO ), childhood obesity has tripled since the 1970s , with 39 million children under the age of 5 classified as overweight or obese globally in 2020 . This rise can be attributed to several factors , including increased consumption of calorie-dense , nutrient-poor foods such as sugary treats , a decline in physical activity due to urbanization and increased screen time , as well as the emergence of a generation of parents who grew up consuming a Western diet .
Childhood obesity can lead to the early onset of noncommunicable diseases such as hypertension , increased arterial stiffness , early atherosclerosis , and diabetes mellitus , all of which heighten the risk of cardiovascular issues later in life .
Q
: What measures can parents take to positively impact the heart health of children with obesity through preventive interventions ?
A
: Parents play a crucial role in enhancing their children ’ s heart health by preventing obesity . This can be achieved through the following approaches : 1 . Fostering Healthy Eating : Encourage home-cooked meals , reduce the consumption of sugary drinks , and prioritize the inclusion of fruits , vegetables , and whole grains in the family ’ s diet .
2 . Promoting Physical Activity : Engage children in regular physical activities . Parents should adopt a healthy lifestyle themselves by taking their children to parks , encouraging them to participate in sports , and making these activities a routine part of family life rather than a chore .
3 . Limiting Screen Time : Set limits on screen time for children , and importantly , as parents , we should lead by example by adhering to the same rules ourselves .
4 . Leading by Example : When parents adopt healthier habits , we create a supportive and motivating environment for our children .
Dr Leong Ming Chern
Consultant Paediatric Cardiologist Institut jantung Negara ( IJN )
10 Issue 6 | 2024 GlobalHealthAsiaPacific . com