Even at an early age, too many children suffer from obesity. This can have various causes. In most cases, there are health consequences. It is important for parents to know how obesity develops and what can be done to prevent it. Read here about what is important for your child's healthy physical development and how you can influence it.
There are many causes that can lead to childhood obesity, but it is rarely a disease. Too much fat and sugar in food and drink play a role, and physical activity is also an important factor. In addition, a family predisposition can contribute to gaining weight faster than other people. However, the causes often lie in unhealthy habits: sitting for too long instead of exercising outdoors, for example, snacking in front of the TV or computer, a preference for sweet and high-calorie drinks. The coronavirus pandemic, with daycare centers, schools and sports facilities closed, has also contributed to the growing number of overweight children.
There is a great danger in not being able to get rid of the excess weight developed in childhood, or only with great difficulty. The health consequences can lead to illnesses that affect your entire life: These include diabetes, high blood pressure, cardiovascular problems, the development of a fatty liver and respiratory disorders. Pain in the hip and knee joints and misalignment of the joints are also often caused by excessive weight. Overweight girls often reach puberty earlier, overweight boys later. Excess weight can also lead to menstrual disorders in girls and breast enlargement in boys.
Prejudice, ridicule and teasing about their figure and weight are not uncommon among children and young people. In our society, thin people are seen as beautiful, attractive, fit and capable. Fat people, on the other hand, are seen as sluggish, unathletic and less capable. This stigmatization is felt by children from an early age. They are often exposed and experience exclusion, insults and bullying. This happens at school, in clubs, in their free time and increasingly on social media channels. Mental health suffers as a result: while frustration grows, self-confidence declines. This can result in psychological problems and even depressive symptoms. In this situation, parents are particularly challenged to support their child with empathy and to look for solutions together.
Diets and too much pressure do not help to change bad habits in the long term. However, as a parent, you have many ways to counteract your child's overweight and promote healthy development.
First of all, take a look at your eating habits:
You can obtain medical advice on the extent of obesity and possible risks of secondary diseases and treatment programs from your paediatrician's practice.
If your child is being excluded and bullied at school, it is best to contact the relevant teachers first and foremost. The school psychological service and school counseling centers can also help.
Parent and family counseling centers can also be points of contact. The Family Guide of Familienportal.NRW will help you quickly and easily find the right service near your home.
If you are experiencing psychological problems, you can seek advice and help from child and adolescent psychologists.
The information hotline of the Federal Institute of Public Health (BIÖG) is also available to affected parents for all questions relating to childhood obesity. The advisors can be reached on 0221 892031 Monday to Thursday from 10 am to 10 pm and Friday to Sunday from 10 am to 6 pm. During the initial consultation, you will receive information, guidance and addresses of other contact points.
