• Published by Tiara Rahadian Putri, M.S., BCBA from Yayasan Sahabat Anak Istimewa Indonesia (YASAINDO) 

Obesity is a condition of excessive fat accumulation due to an imbalance between energy intake and energy used by the body. IDAI (Indonesian Pediatrician Association) predicts an increasing trend in the prevalence of obesity cases over the years. 

What causes obesity?
Factors associated with obesity include: genetic factors, environment, nutrition, and physical activity. (Hassink, 2017)
Genetic Factors. Research on twins raised by adoptive parents shows that the BMI (body mass index) value is strongly correlated with the BMI value of their biological parents. In addition, a mother who has obesity or diabetes during pregnancy can increase the risk of obesity in her child
Environmental factor. Breastfeeding is associated with a reduced risk of obesity in children. Children who grow up in an environment that is less stimulating for physical activity have a higher risk of obesity.
 
Health risks associated with obesity
• Obese children and adolescents can have issues in the following areas:
• Muscle and joint health
• Liver and gallbladder health
• Difficulty breathing that makes light physical activity or sporting activities strenuous
• Children with asthma may experience more severe symptoms
• Emotional health which includes self-esteem and social dynamics such as being ridiculed or bullied by peers. Children who are not happy with their weight can develop unhealthy diet patterns and depression.

What can be done to prevent obesity in children?
Baby/Infant
• Breastfeeding
• Not giving juice
• Provide time and place for children to do physical activities (e.g., tummy time)

Toddler
• Use appropriate meal portions
• Scheduled meals and snacks
• Treat eating problems early if any (e.g., picky eater, refusing food)
• Avoid giving drinks with artificial sweeteners and limit the consumption of juices
• Provide free play time indoors and outdoors
• Avoid screen time while eating
• Pay attention to the child's motor development if it is appropriate for his age

Pre-school
• Avoid giving drinks with artificial sweeteners and limit the consumption of juices
• Maintain a structured eating schedule
• Give children the opportunity to play freely
• Support children for outdoor activities
• Support children's participation in physical activities, not in competitions
• Involve family members in doing physical activities with children
• Limit screen time to a maximum of 2 hours per day
• Avoid screen time in the bedroom
• Maintain adequate sleep

Tiara Putri, MS. BCBA.

BehaviorPALS

Referensi:

IDAI | Diagnosis, Tata Laksana, dan Pencegahan Obesitas pada Anak dan Remaja. (2015). www.idai.or.id. Retrieved May 4, 2022, from https://www.idai.or.id/professional-resources/pedoman-konsensus/diagnosis-tata-laksana-dan-pencegahan-obesitas-pada-anak-dan-remaja‌

Hassink, S. G. (2017). Healthy Weight. In T. K. McInerny (Ed.), American Academy of Pediatrics Textbook of Pediatric Care (2nd ed.). Book Chapter, American Academy of Pediatrics.

child obesity

Children 4 Years - 6 Years / 4 Tahun - 6 Tahun / General Health / Kesehatan Umum / Health / Kesehatan / How to prevent child obesity

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