Childhood morbid obesity: importance of awareness

Health / Date: 01-16-2025

Did you know approx. 20% children are obese in USA? This is a figure released in 2024 in a note on the Ministry of Health website. The same report also adds another important piece of information: 7% of boys and girls under the age of five have already been diagnosed with this clinical condition and are at risk of developing what is known as childhood morbid obesity. These numbers are a warning sign not only for health agencies and entities, but especially for people who have children, nephews, grandchildren, and the like.

After all, without proper attention, this problem can lead to the development of other diseases and put the lives of children at risk. With this in mind, we have brought you a post that explains this subject in detail and shows you how you can act on a daily basis to prevent obesity in children. Follow along and learn more!

What is considered childhood morbid obesity?

Obesity represents a significant accumulation of fat in the body composition that occurs not only under the skin, but also between the organs (the so-called visceral fat). Morbid obesity, in turn, is defined when this concentration exceeds the range of 40.0 in the Body Mass Index (BMI) — which is measured by dividing a person's weight by their height.

In other words, when there are very high concentrations of fat in the body. This leads to a scenario of generalized malfunction of the body with breathing difficulties, low physical resistance, muscle pain, low flexibility and ability to move, poor blood circulation, etc.

To top it off, there is also an increased possibility of having problems such as diabetes , insulin resistance, gastroesophageal reflux, neoplasms, heart disease, bone and joint diseases and much more. In other words, health conditions that, when combined, compromise the quality of life of any individual and can even lead to death.

What are the types of childhood obesity?

For adults, the Body Mass Index divides obesity into three possible categories: grade I, grade II and grade III. The latter is precisely the one considered morbid. However, for children and adolescents up to 19 years of age, as shown by the BMI calculator, these classifications do not apply because it is a period of continuous development.

Instead, the standards adopted are overweight and obesity. In the first, the child has an accumulation of body fat that is not recommended for him/her, which may be the result of factors such as poor diet, sedentary lifestyle, sleep deregulation, emotional problems, etc.

In the second case, the same potential causes are present. However, the amount of body fat is more significant and requires urgent intervention by parents and/or legal guardians so that this condition does not continue over the years, accompanying the child into adolescence and adulthood. Even worse: so that it does not worsen in childhood, putting the little ones at risk.

After all, as already mentioned, this is a health condition that can bring several complications to the physical and psychological well-being of young people. Not to mention that it can harm the child's own development.

How important is raising awareness on this topic?

Every June 3rd is known as Childhood Obesity Awareness Day. In turn, October 11th is World Obesity Day and, simultaneously, National Obesity Prevention Day. Both dates are very important, as they bring this topic to the table not only in the health field, but mainly in the daily lives of the population in schools, at work, in the media, on the internet, etc.

After all, it is necessary to understand what obesity represents and the harm associated with it, and what can lead children, young people and adults to develop it. To top it off, it is essential to spread the word that it is possible to prevent this condition. And best of all: this task is not difficult to put into practice. On the contrary, it starts with simple changes in the family routine and can be supplemented, when necessary, by medical monitoring from your health plan .

How to avoid childhood morbid obesity?

To conclude, we have brought you some important tips to help you avoid childhood overweight and obesity.

Encourage regular physical activity

Exercising at school, in sports clubs or in the leisure area of the condominium, for example, is essential during childhood. After all, physical activity generates an increase in energy expenditure, which reduces the possibility of fat accumulation. But not only that: it is also beneficial for the body, improving immunity and contributing to a healthier development of boys and girls.

Acquire new eating habits

Poor nutrition is a key factor in the emergence of this health problem, not only because it promotes the gain of body fat, but also because it maintains a condition of overweight/obesity and even contributes to childhood morbid obesity. Therefore, it is important to promote nutritional reeducation at home. For example, cutting out processed foods, reducing the portions of food per meal, increasing the intake of fruits, vegetables and legumes, encouraging daily water consumption , avoiding products rich in sugar , sodium and fat, etc.

Adopt a healthy lifestyle shared by your family

In addition to what has already been said, it is important for parents to be aware that children observe and copy the behavior of adults. Therefore, there is no point in changing their diet and imposing exercise and sports on their children's daily lives when they see that their parents do exactly the opposite of what they say.

Including not caring about their own health and becoming overweight or obese. Therefore, it is important to have an active and conscious attitude towards one's own well-being so that children are inspired and can effectively lead a healthy lifestyle.

As you have read so far, recognizing obesity as a problem and actively changing your family's habits, diet and care routine is essential to reducing the risk of children developing obesity and, unfortunately, even developing childhood morbid obesity. Therefore, take inspiration from our tips and ensure a more balanced lifestyle for your little ones, with much healthier physical and mental growth.