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HEALTH & Wellness | iChunes Ent. Magazine

Childhood Obesity

THIS is a serious medical condition that affects children and adolescents.
It occurs when a child is well above the normal weight for his or her age
and height. The sad part is that Childhood obesity is particularly troubling
because the extra pounds often start children on the path to health
problems that were once confined to adults, such as diabetes, high blood
pressure and high cholesterol. Childhood obesity can also lead to poor
self-esteem and depression. Beware of lifestyle issues — too little activity
and too many calories from food and drinks — are the main contributors to
childhood obesity. Genetic and hormonal factors may play a role as
well. For example, recent research has found that changes in digestive
hormones can affect the signals that let you know you're full. Most kids are
not getting enough foods with digestive enzymes which in turn affects the
hormones. Supplementing with enough fiber and enzymes can help break-
down foods for proper digestion and prevent weight gain.

Though not common, there are also genetic diseases and hormonal
disorders that can make a child prone to obesity. Parents will need to
recognize these signs early enough to have the appropriate foods available
to support the hormones. If a child shows the signs from young, be sure not
to feed them processed foods. One of the best strategies to reduce
childhood obesity is to improve the diet with fresh fruits and vegetables,
organic meats and exercise habits of your entire family. With the invent of
technology, kids spend way too much time in front
of a screen instead of being active and running
around like kids decades ago. Treating and
preventing childhood obesity helps protect the
health of your child now and in the future.

~ by Theresa Coutain, Health & Wellness
ichunes Ent. Magazine Contributing Writer

6 January / March 2018