THE‘obesity It is a public health problem and is constantly increasing all over the world with alarming data regarding pediatric age. In this age group Italy holds a sad record. On the occasion of World Obesity Day which occurs on March 4th, Let’s find out with the expert what to do to improve the lifestyles of the little ones and, consequently, improve their well -being.
Obesity: you need to start from the family
“The etiology of obesity is multifactorial and is characterized by the interaction between predisposing genetic factors and environmental factors. The family anniversary However, it is not linked exclusively to the genetic heritage, but It depends largely on exposure to environmental risk factors, first of all the lifestyle learned in the family. A obese child, in fact, has an obese parent in 80% of cases. And, unequivocally, The child’s nutritional habits are conditioned by the family. The epidemic of obesitytherefore, is not simply the result of environmental changes, but a complex interaction between genes and the environment. This pushed the people who would have been genetically sensitive, but remained thin in the previous eras, to become obese. An intervention of food education that must necessarily involve the entire family unit», Explain the Dr. Ilenia Grieconutritionist and founder biologist of the private nutrition method.
Obesity and metabolic syndrome
«It is known, according to the principle of ‘tracking’, that Overweight children often become obese adults. This involves complications for health, the more severe the more early the debut’s debut. It is estimated that In 28% of obese children, metabolic syndrome is already present. In turn, the latter is associated with: hypertension, hypertriglyceridemia, low HDL cholesterol values, insulin-resistance, hyperinsulinemia, reduced glucidal tolerance or type 2 diabetes and predisposition to cardiovascular diseases. Other known complications are represented by orthopedic pathologies, asthma, night apneas, early puberty, hypogonadism, and depressive symptoms “, continues the expert. That’s why, In light of current knowledge, such a situation is unacceptable.
Watch out for the relationship with food
«The family is the place where habits that are maintained throughout their lives are acquired. Use food as a means of expressing affection or to stop emotional states, such as: “If you stop crying, I give you chips”, it is deleterious. The child is automatically used to think about food as a means of compensating emotions e anxieties. As well as is wrong to let the children freely take more snacks during the day Not paying attention to what and what is taken, this could favor a sort of habit and dependence on junk food, such as snacks, advertising snacks, sweet or carbonated drinks. The family, in daily life, therefore has a fundamental and irreplaceable role in theEducating children to a healthy life rich in healthy and fresh foods and movementpossibly in the open air, “warns Dr. Grieco.
The family is the place where habits that are maintained throughout their lives (Getty Images) are acquired
5 good tips to give to parents
“Let us remember that Many diseases are linked to modifiable risk factors, therefore to the lifestyle that we adopt every day. Here are 5 good advice for parents. The first is of Educating children to distinguish healthy food food food. The second is that of Promote the consumption of vegetables to each meal. In this the colors of the vegetables and the stories of the collections help a lot. Mom and dad in the first place, they must then Encourage to use as a snack, fruit salads, smoothies, homemade cakes and bread and jam. In this way the use of food and industrial drinks will be drastically reduced. Also because water is the best thirst -quenching drink. It is then necessary encourage movement, also with initiatives involving the whole familylike walks or outdoor trips. The fifth and advice is that of adhere to the prevention initiatives of childhood obesity that are held in the area, Also through the healthy proposals of school catering “, concludes Dr. Grieco.
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