Nutrition and Overweightness in Children 2016/03/03

It is known that healthy eating combined with correct physical activity is essential fro a balanced life at any age.

During childhood, the teaching of good eating habits is a task of the parents and later of the school, where expert nutritionists study the lunches of cafeterias to guarantee the correct ingestion of carbohydrates, proteins, vitamins, salts, etc.

Unfortunately today 30% of Italian children are overweight, included a part of real obesity. This are the data that the “Okkio alla Slaute” threw on 2012, promoted by de Istituto Superiore di Sanità. Fortunately this data, in comparison with 2009, are slightly getting better.

We calculate our body mass index (BMI), according to the formula

Keeping in mind that the ideal result is between 18 and 24, the data would be read this way:

- Less than 16 to thin,

- Between 16 and 18 slightly thin,

- Up to 29 overweight,

- Up to 35 first class obesity,

- Up to 40 second class obesity,

- More than 40 third class obesity.

For children, on the other hand, the age factor is considered until 18 years old.

Childhood overweightness and obesity, unfortunately, lead to high risk of childhood hypertension and type 2 diabetes, diseases that before were only presented in adults.

This is why prevention is the best weapon:

Teaching our children a balanced lifestyle, most of the risk factors of these pathologies would be avoided.

Of course with a few exceptions… you can’t deny a child a slice of cake or some French fries!

Preventive actions to avoid obesity and overweightness start at an early age, as essentials are correct breastfeeding and weaning.

Prefer games of movement, if you live not to far away from school or grandparent’s house, go to them in a nice walk and not with the car, turn off the TV and play with a ball.

Having said this, remember that this is only for information, over all consult your pediatrician for any questions.