PECULARITIES OF CHILDREN IN

DIFFERNET AGE GROUP : OBESITY

By : anil mahajan 407

Obesity is the most prevalent nutritional disorder among children and adolescents in the United States. Approximately 21-24% of American children and adolescents are overweight, and another 16-18% is obese; the prevalence of obesity is highest among specific ethnic groups.

Childhood obesity predisposes to insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes,hypertension, hyperlipidemia, liver and renal disease, and reproductive dysfunction. This condition also increases the risk of adult-onset obesity and cardiovascular disease.

Obesity in children is a complex disorder. Its prevalence has increased so significantly in recent years that many consider it a major health concern of the developed world. The National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) indicates that the prevalence of obesity is increasing in all pediatric age groups, in both sexes, and in various ethnic and racial groups. Many factors, including genetics, environment, metabolism, lifestyle, and eating habits, are believed to play a role in the development of obesity. However, more than 90% of cases are idiopathic; less than 10% are associated with hormonal or genetic causes.

Body mass index

The BMI is a continuous, although imperfect, measure of body fatness. Calculated as weight (kg) divided by height (m2), BMI corrects for body size and can be readily and reliably quantified in clinical settings. The BMI correlates closely with total body fat (TBF), which is estimated using dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) scanning in children who are overweight and obese.

Normal values for BMI vary with age, sex, and pubertal status, and standard curves representing the 5th through the 95th percentiles for BMI in childhood and adolescence were generated using data from the 1988-1994 NHANES.[2]Consensus committees have recommended that children and adolescents be considered overweight or obese if the BMI exceeds the 85th or 95th percentiles, or exceeds 30 kg/m2 at any ageMcGavock et al demonstrated that low cardiorespiratory fitness and reductions in fitness over time are significantly associated with weight gain and the risk of being overweight in children aged 6-15 years.[

Genetic syndromes associated with childhood obesity include the following:

Prader-Willi syndrome Pseudohypoparathyroidism Laurence-Moon-Biedl (Bardet-Biedl)

syndrome Cohen syndrome Down syndrome Turner syndrome

Prader –willii syndrome

Prader-Willi syndrome is a complex genetic condition that affects many parts of the body. In infancy, this condition is characterized by weak muscle tone (hypotonia), feeding difficulties, poor growth, and delayed development. Beginning in childhood, affected individuals develop an insatiable appetite, which leads to chronic overeating (hyperphagia) and obesity. Some people with Prader-Willi syndrome, particularly those with obesity, also develop type 2 diabetes mellitus (the most common form of diabetes).

People with Prader-Willi syndrome typically have mild to moderate intellectual impairment and learning disabilities. Behavioral problems are common, including temper outbursts, stubbornness, and compulsive behavior such as picking at the skin. Sleep abnormalities can also occur. Additional features of this condition include distinctive facial features such as a narrow forehead, almond-shaped eyes, and a triangular mouth; short stature; and small hands and feet. Some people with Prader-Willi syndrome have unusually fair skin and light-colored hair. Both affected males and affected females have underdeveloped genitals. Puberty is delayed or incomplete, and most affected individuals are unable to have children (infertile).

Prader willi syndrome

Pseudohypoparathyroidism

Pseudohypoparathyroidism is a condition associated primarily with resistance to the parathyroid hormone.[1] Those with the condition have a low serum calcium and high phosphate, but the parathyroid hormone level (PTH) is actually appropriately high (due to the low level of calcium in the blood). Its pathogenesis has been linked to dysfunctional G Proteins (in particular, Gs alpha subunit). The condition is extremely rare, with an estimated overall prevalence of 7.2/1,000,000 or approximately 1/140000

Pseudohypothyroidism

Laurence-Moon-Biedl (Bardet-Biedl) syndrome

Laurence-Moon-Biedl syndrome and Laurence-Moon-Biedl-Bardet redirect here. See below for an explanation.Bardet–Biedl syndromeClassification and external resources..The Bardet–Biedl syndrome (BBS) is a ciliopathic human genetic disorder that produces many effects and affects many body systems. It is characterized principally by obesity, retinitis pigmentosa, polydactyly, hypogonadism, and renal failure in some cases.[1]Historically, mental retardation has been considered a principal symptom but is now not regarded as such.

COHEN SYNDROME

Cohen syndrome is an extremely variable genetic disorder characterized by diminished muscle tone (hypotonia), abnormalities of the head, face, hands and feet and mental retardation. Affected individuals usually have heads that are smaller than average and a short upper lip through which the incisors are exposed. In many, but not all cases, obesity is present, especially around the torso and is associated with slender arms and legs. A lowered level of white blood cells (neutropenia) is present from birth in some affected individuals

Physical activity for children

Regular physical activity is one of the ways to help prevent the development of chronic illnesses. Being physically active has many other benefits as well including:

Builds self esteem Reduces stressors including feelings of depression,

anxiety, and inadequacy Helps develop and maintain healthy bones Increases muscle mass which is crucial to the

body’s efficient metabolism Teaches positive healthy habits Teaches self-discipline and teamwork

”? What is the definition of “regular physical activity

According to the American Council on Exercise (ACE), children should participate in the following physical activity each day:

At least 60 minutes of active play; however several hours is even better.

A variety of non-competitive activities at varying levels of intensity.

At least 10 to 15 minutes of vigorous exercise.

Exercise for children

Roller-blading/skating Hiking Biking Dancing Skiing Sledding Swimming Jump rope/double-dutch Baseball Softball Soccer Football Basketball Tennis Hop Scotch Dodge Ball Tag Volley Ball Walking

Exercise

Swimming

Bye- bye take care