Child Obesity Can Lead to "Adult" Diseases: How to Help Prevent It

Many parents don’t begin to worry about weight in their children until it becomes more noticeable in their kids or begins to affect their confidence. But child obesity can develop much earlier than you often realize.

The 2023 National Nutrition Survey found that 12.9% of kids aged 5 to 9 are already living with obesity. UNICEF reports that health experts foresee more than 30% of Filipino adolescents will be overweight and obese by 2030.

Globally, the trend is just as alarming. One in 12 kids aged 5 to 9 is now affected by obesity, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). These numbers suggest that by the time weight becomes a visible concern, it may have been building for years.

Early awareness of how obesity affects your child's health, both now and in the future, will guide you in giving your little one a happier and healthier life.

What Is Obesity?

Being overweight or obese means having too much body fat, often because of overnutrition or taking in more energy or calories than the body needs. (Overnutrition also counts as malnutrition.)

Obesity is treated as a chronic disease because it develops over time and affects pretty much every part of the body. It doesn’t resolve on its own without making changes in lifestyle, medical guidance, or both.

Physical appearance alone will not tell whether your child is overweight. Some children naturally have rounder faces or larger body frames, especially during certain stages of growth. So, "chubby cheeks" don't necessarily mean a child has obesity or is at risk for it.

How to Tell if Your Child Is Obese or Not

Your child's BMI is calculated using their weight and height.

Because weight changes with age and development, pediatricians typically measure obesity by calculating the body mass index (BMI), which compares a child’s height and weight with those of other kids of the same age and sex.

WHO categorizes BMI-for-age percentiles into the following groups:

• Underweight: Less than the 5th percentile
• Healthy weight: Between the 5th and 84th percentile
• Overweight: Between the 85th and 94th percentile
• Obesity: Above the 95th percentile

Although not perfect, these percentiles serve as good indicators when your child's health needs attention. You can use ParenTeam's growth chart and BMI calculators, which use WHO's length/height-for-age standards, to track your child's development after pediatric visits.

Causes of Obesity in Children

Childhood obesity isn't just about eating too much. It can involve a combination of various factors to cause excessive weight.

Calorie imbalance

Weight problems in children are often due to calorie imbalance. This simply means that when kids eat more food than their bodies need for energy, the extra calories are turned into fat and stored in their bodies. Diets high in fat and sugar and in oversized portions can lead to calorie imbalance, especially when kids aren’t getting enough exercise or physical activity.

Genetics

Some children are more likely to gain weight due to their genetic predisposition. If obesity runs in the family, a child may also be more prone to it.

Family lifestyle and habits

Children often mirror what they see at home. If your family tends to eat meals on the go, skip veggies, or spend a lot of time on screens, your child might adopt the same habits.

Living conditions

Not every family has the same access to fresh foods, safe places to play, or even reliable health information. WHO says these factors can affect a child's risk of obesity, especially in low-income communities.

Mental and emotional health

Stress, anxiety, or low self-esteem can lead some children to eat for comfort or avoid being active. WHO also notes that psychological well-being plays a role in a child's ability to maintain healthy behaviors.

Sleep patterns

Sleep may not seem connected to weight. But kids who don’t get enough sleep may have imbalanced hunger hormones, which can lead to overeating or cravings.

In some cases, a child’s weight gain may be linked to health issues like hormonal imbalances or side effects from medications. If you’re unsure, it’s always a good idea to consult with your child’s pediatrician.

Long-Term Impact of Child Obesity

Children who are overweight or obese face a higher risk of developing chronic conditions often seen in adults, leading to long-term health challenges.

Obesity was the primary risk factor for early-onset Type 2 diabetes based on a large-scale study in the BMJ. The study analyzed data from 204 countries, involving participants aged 15-39 years, from 1990 to 2019.

Excessive weight has also been linked to non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), also known as metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD). Other conditions associated with child obesity are insulin resistance, high blood pressure, and even early arthritis, according to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons.

Research has also shown that childhood obesity takes a toll on mental health. A study published in BMC Public Health found that kids and teens with higher BMIs often feel more isolated, experience teasing, or pull away from social situations

The study also pointed out that negative reactions from adults, such as parents or teachers, can add to the emotional stress these kids are dealing with.

How to Prevent Obesity From an Early Age

Carve out time for active play and maintain it as kids get older.

Preventing child obesity doesn’t mean putting your child on a strict diet or keeping them away from all treats. Here are some practical ways to support a healthy weight from the start.

Build healthy eating habits in the family

Your eating habits really shape what your kid likes to eat. So, show your kids, through the family's meals, how much you love vegetables, fruits, and other food groups. Pay attention to portion sizes and limit sugary drinks and snacks for both adults and children.

Incorporate physical activity into everyday routine

Set aside time for active play, such as running, jumping, or dancing, even if it’s just indoors. Fun activities like playing tag, riding a small bike or scooter, climbing playground equipment, or doing simple follow-the-leader games help build your child's strength and coordination.

Stick to a consistent sleep schedule

A warm bath after dinner signals to your child that "quiet time" (aka no screens) is near. If they're engaging in any activity, consider options like reading a story or doing gadget-free puzzles. Build these things into your child's daily routine so that it becomes second nature, helping your child’s body and brain recognize that it’s time to wind down.

Use supportive language

Avoid saying things like "chubby cheeks," "matakaw," or "lumalaki ka" when talking to your child about their body. These comments, even when made with love or humor, emphasize appearance, which can shape how your child perceives themselves. It may lead to feelings of shame or unhealthy eating habits.

Focus on Your Child's Overall Well-Being

Obesity is preventable AND treatable in children. BMI gives your child’s doctor a starting point, but your child’s overall well-being depends on many things, such as: 

• How they’re growing over time
• What and how they eat
• How active they are
• How well they sleep
• How do they manage stress
• Your family’s health background

Finally, take care of yourself. Eat nourishing foods, stay active, and adopt balanced routines. When your child sees you doing these things, they’ll be more likely to follow your lead.

If you have any concerns about child obesity, don't rely solely on appearances or numbers and trust your instincts. Work with your child's doctor to develop a plan that helps your child feel strong and confident as they grow and develop.

How do you monitor your child's weight? Share your tips on the ParenTeam Moms and Dads Facebook group!