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The secret behind BMI: How to correctly understand your child's body mass index?
As the problem of childhood obesity becomes increasingly serious, BMI (Body Mass Index) has become an important indicator for assessing children's weight. The calculation method of BMI involves the ratio of weight and height, but the secret behind it goes beyond that. How to correctly understand children's BMI and use it to monitor health is an important issue that every parent and educator needs to face.
What is BMI?
BMI is calculated by dividing weight in kilograms by height in meters squared. Obesity and overweight in children are typically determined based on BMI percentiles, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Generally speaking, a BMI above the 85th percentile is considered overweight, while a BMI above the 95th percentile is considered obese.
But BMI doesn't always accurately reflect a child's health. It cannot distinguish between fat and lean tissue and may incorrectly exclude some children who actually have excess fat.
The impact of childhood obesity
Obesity can have a serious impact on children’s physical and mental health. First, psychological stress can lead to emotional problems such as low self-esteem and depression. Secondly, obese children are more likely to develop physical health problems, such as diabetes, high blood pressure and heart disease.
Psychological impact
Children are often bullied by their peers for being overweight, and the unsupportive family environment adds to their psychological pressure. These children may have problems with self-image and emotions, which can affect their social skills.
Good health
In addition to psychological problems, obesity may also lead to a variety of physical diseases including diabetes, heart disease, stress, and more. In addition, studies show that obese children are significantly more likely to die as adults and may even have a shorter life span.
Obese children may have carotid arteries that age 30 years prematurely and have abnormal cholesterol levels, according to a study.
Causes of obesity
There are many causes of childhood obesity, which are usually the result of multiple factors, including genetic factors, family environment, and social factors.
Genetic factors
Genetic factors play an important role in the development of obesity. Children who carry the obesity gene are more likely to develop obesity depending on their diet and activity. Research shows that children with two obese parents have an 80% chance of being obese.
Social and Environmental Impact
Family environment and social structure also affect children's eating habits and activity levels. The popular fast food culture in society and the lack of physical activity in school environments are contributing to the problem of childhood obesity.
An unbalanced diet and increased screen time are factors that cannot be ignored in childhood obesity.
How to prevent obesity
To effectively prevent childhood obesity, schools and families should work together. It is critical that schools provide a safe environment and healthy meal options, while families can guide their children's healthy development by sharing meals together, encouraging exercise and healthy eating.
Encourage physical activity
Increasing physical activity in children is crucial. According to research, children who are active in sports remain in good shape later in life.
Family eating habits
Eating habits play an important role in the family environment. Children who eat with their families tend to consume more vegetables and fruits.
Conclusion
As the problem of childhood obesity intensifies, correctly understanding and understanding BMI has become an important issue. How to balance children's healthy diet and activity has become a challenge for parents and educators. In this fast-changing and tempting society, can we find effective ways to ensure the healthy growth of our children?
