Is a child chubby "strong", "cute" and "well-raised"? Not exactly. The Institute of Chronic Disease Prevention and Control of the Beijing Center for Disease Control and Prevention reminds that obesity, as a chronic disease, is also a risk factor for a variety of diseases, and it also poses health hazards to children and adolescents.

The impact of overweight and obesity on children is manifold

Growth and development Overweight and obesity may lead to endocrine disorders in children, affecting normal growth hormone secretion, which in turn affects height and bone development. Excessive weight burden can also put pressure on bones and joints, leading to abnormal bone morphology and problems with bone joint and muscle development. Obesity may also affect the secretion of sex hormones, increasing the risk of precocious puberty and polycystic ovary syndrome in girls.

Mental health problems Overweight and obesity can affect children's self-esteem, cognition, academic performance, and social participation, leading to low self-esteem, decreased learning ability, lack of self-confidence, depression and anxiety.

Risk of chronic diseases Children who are overweight and obese are prone to disorders of blood sugar and blood lipid metabolism, and the risk of many chronic diseases will be increased, and the onset of many chronic diseases will be advanced. The higher the BMI during childhood and adolescence, the higher the risk of this.

Other Health Risks Overweight and obesity can also reduce children's immunity, weaken their ability to resist diseases, and make them more susceptible to viral and bacterial infections, especially respiratory infections. Being overweight and obese can also lead to impaired ventilation in the lungs. Overweight and obesity, particularly abdominal obesity, are associated with a significantly increased risk of premature death in adolescents.

Manage your weight through your lifestyle

Weight control in children and adolescents should be carried out without affecting normal development. Lifestyle interventions are the cornerstone of weight loss, and medical treatment needs to be added with the advice of a doctor if necessary.

Pay attention to dietary choices First of all, it is necessary to ensure the basic needs of children and adolescents for growth and development, scientific feeding, and balanced diet. Pay attention to the cultivation of healthy eating habits, increase fresh fruits and vegetables, and control the intake of high-salt, high-fat, high-sugar foods and sugary beverages. Eat regularly, add meals reasonably, control snacks, and not eat too much.

Encourage children and adolescents to engage in a variety of physical activities, especially outdoor sports. Children and adolescents of different ages: free activities are encouraged up to the age of 60; Children aged 0-0 should have at least 0 minutes of varied physical activity at different times throughout the day, of which children aged 0-0 should have at least 0 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity per day; Children and adolescents aged 0-0 years should have at least 0 minutes of moderate-to-high-intensity physical activity each day. For children and adolescents who are overweight and obese, the amount of exercise should be increased according to individual circumstances.

Reduce sedentary time Children and adolescents should limit sedentary time, especially screen time. Control the use of electronic devices: children aged 2 and under avoid electronic devices; Children aged 0-0 should not exceed 0 hours per day; Children and adolescents aged 0-0 should not exceed 0 hours per day.

Manage sleep Develop good sleep habits, maintain a regular sleep rhythm, and ensure adequate and high-quality sleep. Do not use electronics before bedtime.

□ Reporter