Obesity is a very common disease among children. Let us make it clear what is the obesity. Child Obesity generally means the excess amount of fat in children. The obesity can happen in case of an adult also.Genreally the obesity is measured on the basis of the BMI (Body Mass Index) which can be modified on the basis of age. We can even define the child obesity interms of the body weight. If the body weight is atleat 20% higher than the actual body weight of the child (interms of height) then it is called the child obesity. In case of the child obesity generally the fat percentage becomes above 25% in the boys and above 32% in the girls. (all the given figures are approximate)

In the developing countries like United States Child obesity is a growing problem. It is the most widespresd medical problem in many developing countries. According to the recent studies given by the American Obesity Association about 15% of the child is obese in the United States who falls in the age group of 6-11 years. As a parant you have to first understand whether your child is overweight or not. Child Obesity is one of the greatest medical challenges in the Medical science.

You can always try to prevent the obesity of your child but you have to be slightly conscious. Do you know the following simple things? The things are simple but it can help you to prevent the obesity.

• Breastfeeding in infancy can help to prevent the child obesity. There are mothers who prefer to give solid foods to their children rather than the breast feeding. If you as a mother can delay the process and introduce the solid food a little bit later then your child can be protected from the obesity.
• The children should always participate in several physical activities. There are children who prefer indoor games rather than the outdoor games. There is a high risk of suffering from the obesity for those children. The children should get involved in some kind of exercises everyday. You can take your child to the nearby park for the morning walk or the evening walk.
• A mother should also know that her child should get low-fat snacks, healthy foods to maintain the proper weight according to the height. Try to avoid serving foods to your child when watching movies or Television.

GENERAL CAUSES:

There are several factors which play an important role in the child obesity. The factors are discussed below.

Genetic Factors:

Family can be the main source of the obesity. If in a family the mother, father or the brother/sister is obese then there is a high risk that the child can also suffer from the obesity. Genetics alone can not cause obesity.

Food Habits:

Now children prefer to have fast food, processed snacks, sugary drinks etc rather than the nutritious foods like fruits, vegetables , whole grains etc .Fast foods generally contains high calories. If a child consumes 100 calories in a day (equivalent to 8 ounces of a soft drink) above the daily requirements then there is a high probability of getting obese as it results in a 10 –pound weight gain over one year.

Socio economic Status:

Nonworking parents and the low family status are related with intake of high calorie foods which can be a cause for the obesity

Physical Fitness:

There are many children who do not involve themselves in any kind of physical activities. They can also become obese.

Above are the factors which may cause the obesity in child. This problem can be solved only of the parents along with the child become more health conscious and take this point seriously in life.