A doctor has warned about the causes and consequences of obesity in a child

Childhood obesity is becoming a serious problem in modern society, as it can lead to a variety of health problems and psycho-emotional disorders in the future. Ruslana Akhmedova, a pediatric endocrinologist at JSC Medicine (Clinic of Academician Roitberg), told Izvestia on December 24 in detail about the causes, consequences and prevention.

"One of the main causes of obesity in children is an imbalance between energy intake and energy expenditure. Excessive consumption of high-calorie food containing large amounts of carbohydrates and fats, overeating in the evening also provoke the accumulation of excess weight. Poor eating habits and irregular meals are also important. And lack of physical activity is one of the leading causes of obesity in children. The more time a child spends in front of a computer screen and the less they exercise, the higher the risk of this problem," she explained.

The doctor warned that lack of sleep also affects weight gain. Children who sleep less have higher levels of ghrelin, a hormone that stimulates appetite, which contributes to weight gain.

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"Systematic lack of sleep can lead to metabolic problems and further development of obesity," she pointed out.

As the specialist specified, the disease carries many health risks, including the development of hypertension, cholelithiasis, gastroesophageal reflux disease, as well as problems with puberty and musculoskeletal system.

"During adolescence, obesity can cause psycho-emotional disorders such as depression and eating disorders. It is important for parents of overweight children to contact doctors in time to receive qualified medical care," the endocrinologist emphasized.

According to her, prevention of obesity should begin in early childhood. The key factors are proper nutrition and regular physical activity. An important point is to involve the child in active games, walks in the fresh air and involvement in sports.

"Eating healthy foods, particularly vegetables, fruits, whole grain products and low-fat dairy products should be encouraged. It is important to avoid high-calorie snacks and late meals," Akhmedova concluded.

In November, Victoria Prilepskaya, an endocrinologist and nutritionist at the IQplastique plastic surgery, cosmetology and rehabilitation clinic, told Izvestia that hormones play a key role in various body processes and can be associated with weight gain. According to her, hypothyroidism, i.e. a decrease in thyroid function, slows metabolism, leads to fluid retention and edema, which, in turn, causes weight gain and makes it difficult to lose weight.