Second, it will affect children's brain and intellectual development. A large number of studies show that the intelligence level of obese children is significantly lower than that of normal-weight children, and the heavier obesity is, the greater the impact on cognition and intelligence.
Third, it will affect children's sports ability and sports development. Obese children's vital capacity is relatively low, and their physical qualities such as endurance, explosiveness and flexibility are obviously lower than those of normal weight children.
The fourth is the psychological impact on children. Obese children often have some psychological problems, for example, they are more depressed, prone to excessive inferiority and more withdrawn.
"Children are fat when they are young, and they are often fat when they grow up." Liu Ailing said that this will increase the prevalence of chronic diseases in adults, such as coronary heart disease, stroke, diabetes and cancer, thus affecting their health, longevity and quality of life. The harm of obesity to children's physical and mental health will also increase the economic burden of families and society, limit the development of children's potential and reduce the labor productivity of children when they grow up. Therefore, it is not conducive to the improvement of the quality of the family and the whole people, and is not conducive to the long-term development of the economy and society.
What is the effect of childhood obesity?
What causes childhood obesity? Liu Ailing said that genetic factors account for about 40%-70% of the incidence of obesity. It is difficult for genes to change greatly in a short time, so in recent decades, the rapid rise of childhood obesity is not due to genetic changes, but to environmental factors.
"Among the environmental factors, the biggest influence on children's obesity is individual factors." Liu Ailing pointed out that the obesity factors in individual factors include unreasonable dietary structure of children, frequent eating of some high-energy foods and high fat supply, which will also lead to increased energy intake, thus increasing the risk of obesity. In addition, children often skip breakfast or have few kinds of breakfast, and the nutritional quality is poor; Often eat some snacks with high oil and sugar; Always drink sugary drinks; Often eat out, or often order takeout; Unhealthy behaviors such as overeating can also increase the risk of obesity.
Liu Ailing further explained that obesity occurs because of the imbalance of energy intake and consumption. Compared with children's excessive energy intake, children's energy consumption now shows a downward or decreasing trend. Children usually do less exercise, watch TV and play mobile phones, and spend more time at rest, which leads to less energy consumption of children and adolescents and increases the risk of obesity.
To prevent obesity, we should pay attention to diet.
In terms of children's diet, Ma Guansheng, director of the Department of Nutrition and Food Hygiene of Peking University College of Public Health, suggested:
First, the diet. Eat a good breakfast. The energy provided by breakfast accounts for 25%-30% of the whole day's energy, lunch accounts for 30%-40%, and dinner is roughly the same. Attention should also be paid to the diversification of food varieties. Dietary Guidelines for China Residents suggest that it is best to eat 65,438+02 different foods every day, including cereals, animal foods, fruits and vegetables, milk, bean products and nuts.
Second, try to eat at home and eat less outside. Family diet is relatively healthier, and some parents regard western-style fast food as a means to reward or punish their children, which is not desirable and will affect their normal eating behavior.
Third, create a relaxed and pleasant atmosphere when eating. In particular, let children concentrate on eating, and never let children watch mobile phones or TV while eating, which will affect their digestion and absorption of food.
Fourth, pay attention to the way food is cooked. Try not to fry food. Frying often increases the energy content in food, and steaming, boiling and stewing are better.
Fifth, ensure children's intake of cereals, especially whole grains. The whole grains are not over-processed, and the dietary fiber, vitamins and minerals needed by children's growth and development are retained, which is beneficial to children's healthy growth.
Sixth, children can be allowed to eat snacks in moderation. The energy provided by snacks should not exceed 10% of the total energy of the whole day. When choosing snacks, you should choose different kinds and varieties, such as dairy products, fruits and nuts. It is best to eat snacks between meals, not near the main meal, so as not to affect the appetite of children. It is necessary to reduce and limit the intake of sugary drinks. It is best not to let children drink sugary drinks, or drink less. If children want to drink, they can drink light drinks.