Istanbul Gelisim University - The cause of obesity in children is excessive calories

The cause of obesity in children is excessive calories

According to research carried out in Turkey, the obesity rate in children and adolescents is around 25 percent. Stating that in particular, the rate of genetic and hormonal origin of obesity in children is low, the General Surgery Specialist Assoc. Dr. Fatih Çiftçi said: “90-95 percent of childhood obesity stems from excessive calorie intake and inadequate calorie consumption”.

Emphasizing that energy needs are essential for children to grow Faculty member of Istanbul Gelisim University Assoc. Dr. Fatih Çiftçi said: “Activities such as running, breathing, walking, maintaining body temperature, digestion of foods, moving, talking are all energy-consuming. If the energy taken into the body is more than the energy consumed, the increased energy is converted into oil in the body and accumulated. Obesity occurs in this way”.

“OBESITY IN CHILDREN BASED ON GENETIC AND HORMONAL RATE IS LOW”

Stating that there are two reasons for the source of obesity Çiftçi said: “The first of these is obesity caused by genetic and hormonal disorders. The other is obesity arising from life preference and eating habits. Genetic and hormonal origin of obesity is very low in children. 90-95 percent of childhood obesity stems from excessive calorie intake and inadequate calorie consumption”.

Asserting that negative attitudes and wrong eating habits of mothers and fathers prepare the environment for children to gain weight, Assoc. Dr. Çiftçi added: “Obesity, which started in childhood, shortens the average life span of 15 years. It causes serious health problems and diseases. Vascular stiffness, congestion and heart disorders, high blood pressure, diabetes, snoring, breathlessness, sleep disorder, depression are just a few of them”.

MEASURES IN CHILD OBESITY TREATMENT PLAN AND WHAT CAN BE DONE?

Assoc. Dr. Çiftçi voiced the following for the measures and treatment plan:

“Obesity should be explained by the doctor. Obesity-related health problems and obesity should be detailed. If there are genetic, metabolic and endocrine problems, treatment should be taken. Lifestyle change and nutrition should be regulated. Parents should be involved in the process. The main reason for this may be the suppression or reduction of weight gain. The main objective is to gain a balanced and healthy eating habit that will last a lifetime and to prevent adult obesity. Regular exercise and sporting activities should be given importance. Active life should be encouraged. The time spent on television, tablet and computer should be balanced with children's games that run the body. High-calorie entertainment foods should be kept away, instead, natural foods should be encouraged. The behavior of food to be shown as a reward and purpose should be removed.”