Do you know what the triggers of childhood obesity are?

Answer: The immediate triggers and danger areas that precipitate the onset of childhood obesity can often seem so simple that they often slip under the radar and go unremarked. The figures on the topic in Ireland certainly make sobering reading for parents. Fully one quarter (25%) of Irish children are now overweight, and as many as eight out of ten are not meeting the recommended amount of daily physical activity. What this means in hard numbers is that there are now 300,000 overweight children throughout the country, with 100,000 of them listed as clinically obese. Per head of population, Ireland is currently in fifth position for childhood obesity from a 2013 survey 27 EU countries.[1] More immediately, with no government supplied treatments on offer, parents who are looking for a programme to help their children face a minimum fee of 600 euro.

It can often be hard for parents to recognise that their child might have a problem until it is too late, so with that in mind here is a quick outline of the triggers that can lead to a greater problem a few years down the line.

Genetics/Family History

Like most of aspects of our physical make up, such as height and eye colour, genetics and family history play a part in the onset of childhood obesity. Heavier parents will most likely have heavier children, but of course exceptions always prove the rule. In addition to genetics, children also learn their habits and behaviours from parents, and so diet and pastimes like the number of hours spent watching TV are also picked up at home. These patterns of behaviour are the frameworks which children will carry into adulthood, and it is at home that good habits like healthy eating and sufficient physical exercise are begun.   

Diet

A bad diet is perhaps the number one trigger for obesity in childhood. The usual causes here are too many sugary or junk foods throughout the week instead of healthy balanced meals. This in turn leads to a calorie overload and weight gain. An often overlooked factor in a child’s diet for many parents, however, is the size of serving portions. While most of us have a good idea of what makes up a healthy dinner and try to limit the amount of empty calories like sweets that our children take in, it is rarely pointed out that younger children under ten do not need large servings at mealtimes. This can encourage overeating and weight gain also.   

Physical Activity

It’s no secret that physical activity among children has been declining for decades. Twenty years ago, half as many children were driven to school as are today and the ever growing choice of video games and TV shows means that once children get home, they are less likely to go out again, especially in the winter months.

It’s recommended that children get sixty minutes of physical activity every day in order to maintain good health, growth, and weight; anything short of that and the potential for problems begins. The good news is that the physical activity in question does not have to be anything particularly exerting, such as team sports or running, but everyday pastimes like walking or active games all contribute to getting the minutes up.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

John Keane is a full time pharmacist and owner of Keanes Pharmacy. Why not discuss this topic confidentially with John anytime in person at Keanes Pharmacy, Austin Friars or 0449342884 ©Keanes Pharmacy 2015 www.keanespharmacy.com