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Weight Loss

Main Causes of Obesity in Children

August 14, 2020

Childhood obesity has reached epidemic levels in the developed world, with over 30% of children in the U.S. being classified as overweight or obese. Although children have fewer weight-related health conditions than adults do, overweight kids are more likely to stay overweight into adulthood – thereby putting them at risk of developing chronic health conditions, such as heart disease and diabetes.

Children can become overweight for a number of reasons. Although it can sometimes result from a medical condition, there is growing evidence to suggest that external factors, such as lifestyle and parental behavioral characteristics, can lead to unhealthy eating patterns and a lack of exercise in children. These invariably play a significant part in childhood obesity.

Let’s talk about some of these factors and how they can contribute to an overweight child:

Lack of Physical Activity in Children

Obesity often results from an imbalance between the food that we eat (the energy intake) and our level of physical activity (our energy expenditure). If we consume more calories than we need for our level of physical activity, then this may cause us to gain weight.

People with a sedentary lifestyle require far fewer calories than do those who are very physically active. In recent years, video-viewing, gaming, and the use of electronic devices among children has increased dramatically – naturally leading to a significant reduction in exercise and an increase in obesity.

There has also been a decline in physical activity among children due to concerns about safety. Whereas in previous years children rode their bikes all around and played in the street with their friends, this has become less frequent particularly due to increased concerns about child predators. This means that parents are now more likely to drive their children everywhere and to give them fewer opportunities to get out and just have fun.

High-Fat, High-Carbohydrate, Low-Protein Diet

Nowadays, families rely heavily on convenience, which can influence meals. Busy family life and work-related demands can mean parents have less time and energy to prepare healthy meals for their families; fast food is often an inexpensive and convenient option. However, fast food often contains higher levels of calories, fat, and carbohydrates, and lower levels of essential nutrients and protein – which is a combination that can easily cause weight gain.

Children often copy their parents’ and peers’ food preferences, which can have an impact on their diet and nutrition. If a child is repeatedly exposed to (and provided with) healthy food choices from an early age, they are more likely to maintain a healthier diet. For example, offer them almonds and dried banana slices rather than corn-based chips – and enjoy the snack along with them to reinforce the positive nutritional behavior.

Eating Behaviors and Snacking

Mealtime structures can also affect diet and nutrition. Studies have shown that eating out or eating meals in front of the TV is associated with consuming a higher intake of calories and fat, as compared to families who eat together around the table at dinnertime.

Unhealthy snack choices can also be a contributing factor to the rise in childhood obesity. Advertising for unhealthy foods such as sugary cereals, fattening snacks, and sweetened drinks is believed to have a significant impact on a child’s diet, encouraging the consumption of unhealthy, fattening foods, resulting in weight gain and unhealthy eating habits.

Genetic Factors and Family Lifestyle

Although genetic factors – such as a low metabolism – may play a role in childhood obesity, it is generally believed to be more of a contributing factor alongside behavioral factors rather than a sole cause of obesity itself.

Family behavioral tendencies can also have an influence on weight gain in children. For example, physically active parents are more likely to encourage their children to take part in regular exercise.

Family Nutrition in Wellington and Royal Palm Beach

If you have concerns about your child’s weight, the friendly medical team at Advanced Medical Clinic is here for you. Our pediatric nutrition services are designed to address many healthy eating concerns, including childhood obesity, diabetes (type 1 and type 2 diabetes), eating disorders, maternity health, and proper nutrition for healthy living.

For more information about our pediatric healthcare services or to schedule an appointment, contact us today by calling our friendly staff at (561) 434-1935 or by filling out our appointment request form online now. We look forward to helping your whole family enjoy a healthy lifestyle!

Filed Under: Weight Loss Tagged With: Children, Obesity, primary care, Weight, Weight Loss

Causes of Unexplained Weight Loss

July 20, 2018

If you’re overweight, the first sign of unexplained weight loss might be somewhat welcome. Chalk it up to any number of rational explanations, but when the weight continues to fall off without dieting or making an effort, you realize it’s time to be concerned.

Unexplained weight loss is never a good sign. While someone might be losing weight without trying – the cause could be depression, stress or even a tapeworm – the cause can be fairly easily determined with some simple medical detective work.

However, what if you are still unsure why you are losing weight? What if you continue to eat healthily, and even are adding calories to your diet? Unexplained weight loss – cachexia – is a symptom of chronic conditions, and unexplained weight and muscle loss are symptoms. The causes of cachexia vary and most often are an indication that something’s wrong, such as a chronic illness. So then, what are some causes of unexplained weight loss, or cachexia?

Causes of Unexplained Weight Loss

Perhaps cachexia is better defined as a condition of a condition. Losing weight without diet or exercise could be related to diabetes, cancer, HIV or any number of chronic diseases. Even as a person continues to eat, weight continues to fall off.

The primary difference between cachexia and other conditions that cause weight loss is that people with cachexia lose weight no matter what. Eating makes no difference. Additionally, muscle is always lost with cachexia.

Who’s at Risk?

Cachexia rears its ugly head following the onslaught of disease, in a which comes first, the chicken or the egg type of phenomena. Cachexia is a devastating symptom of multiple diseases, some of which include:

·      Cancer

·      AIDS

·      Heart Failure

·      Cystic Fibrosis

·      Renal failure

·      Celiac disease

·      Crohn’s disease

·      Rheumatoid arthritis

·      Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease – COPD

Cachexia can accompany any of the chronic diseases listed above and many more. However, if you have cancer, for instance, it isn’t a guarantee that you’ll also suffer from cachexia and the weight or muscle loss that accompanies it.

If you are experiencing unexplained weight loss, speak to your doctor to determine the cause.  Your doctor will use the following factors to determine if your weight loss is due to cachexia or explained otherwise. You will be diagnosed with cachexia when the following are present:

·      An intentional or unexplained lose more than 5% of your body weight.

·      Less than 10% of your body is body fat.

·      You’re less than 65 years of age with a Body Mass Index (BMI) that is less than 20, or, you’re older than 65 years of age and your BMI is less than 22.

·      Albumin levels are off. Albumin is produced in the liver and regulates fluid level. An albumin level that is less than 35 grams per liter could be a sign of cachexia. Swelling in different parts of the body can occur.

·      Increased cytokines in the bloodstream is an indication that the body is experiencing inflammation. High levels of cytokines will cause a reaction that will break down muscle.

There are treatments available to people suffering from cachexia. Your doctor will map out the best course of action for you, which could include growth hormones or medications that stimulate appetite. However, cachexia is rarely prevented or reversed by taking only dietary measures. Seek medical attention at the first sign of unexplained weight loss.

For partners in lifelong health and wellness, call Advanced Medical in Wellington and Royal Palm Beach at (561) 434-1935 or use our convenient appointment request form.

Filed Under: Weight Loss Tagged With: AIDS, cachexia, Cancer, Celiac disease, Crohn’s disease, depression, Stress, Unexplained Weight Loss, Weight Loss

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