The need for food is a physiological need for every individual. Food provides the necessary energy for growth and development, strength for physical activities, and vital functions (breathing, digestion, mental work, regulation of body temperature, etc.). Nutrition maintains the normal functioning of our body as well as our mental state.
Many studies have shown that every third baby in a sample of eleven is overweight, and in a sample of twenty preschool children, three are obese. These data should concern us because the number of obese children is increasing. Usually, when babies are a little “chubby,” it is not considered harmful; rather, parents think their child eats well and is healthy. However, problems become visible only later in development.
Obesity is more common among girls than boys and occurs more frequently between the ages of 4 and 6 than in earlier years, but it is most noticeable in school age.
Obesity is a result of unhealthy eating habits and insufficient physical activity. Prevention of obesity begins at the earliest age because this is when eating habits are formed.
The assessment of obesity should not be made by parents or others based on their subjective opinions. This assessment should be made by a doctor based on health records. The rate of growth and body weight during the previous period are taken into account. Preschool children experience rapid growth and development that is individual. Obese children should not go on a diet as it is not good for their health, except if a doctor prescribes a specific diet. An obese child should maintain their current weight but continue growing in height. What is often said in our culture as “they have grown out” refers to height increasing while body weight decreases.
If a child is obese, the intake of industrial sugar, processed meats, and similar foods should be reduced. Limit the time a child spends in front of screens and do not allow eating while in front of them. Encourage the child to be physically active, engage in free outdoor play, or participate in a sport. Obesity can also be a symptom of many diseases, so parents need to respond and act on time.