This is the food intake. Not only in solids but also in sugar soft drinks. The sugar is converted to carbohydrates and fats when not utilised very efficiently. Some of the factors important here include:
Families consume higher levels of fat rich fast food then in the past - particularly when both parents work - evening meals need to be quick and easy - this often means takeaway.
Parents expectations regarding how much their child is eating. This translates to making a child eat a meal or rewarding eating a main meal by giving high calorie desserts afterwards. The child is then forcing food down so he can access the 'fun food'.
Using food as a tool in behaviour management. Food should not be used as a reward for behaving well. More effective rewards and cheaper include stickers, stamps etc. (There is one theory that children who were rewarded with food as a toddler later in life used food as a comforting source during challenging times. This led to weight gain. )
Decreased activity - energy out
Times have changed a great deal. Nowadays home is often filled with entertainment media and this discourages outside play. Other factors include:
Diminished activity due to parents concerns about safety
Limited levels of physical activity at schools
Parents themselves not exercising
What about genetics ?
Genetics plays a factor on both sides of the above equation. Some children have larger appetites and some children are more sedentary. The same equation rules apply but genetics relates to the food personality of the child. This makes it hard in some families where two children appear to eat the same amount of food but one is larger than the other.
How can I check if my child is overweight ?
Most GPs who have an interest in children will have percentile charts. These charts plot the height and weight on a graph of Australian standards. If the height and weight have a large positional discrepancy there could well be a problem.
So what if my child is overweight ?
Increased incidence of diabetes mellitus leading to kidney failure and blindness
Increased incidence of high blood pressure leading to stroke and heart disease
Increased incidence of musculoskeletal problems such as hip back and knee problems.
Increased incidence of depression and suicide associated with the psychosocial problems
