Child Development

Infant obesity

Obesity is one of the most common nutritional problems in the United States. Both infants and children can be obese. Infants with obese parents, however, have an 80 percent chance of developing obesity. Obesity occurs when an infant or child takes in more calories than the body can use. Obesity can have many causes, ranging from diet and lifestyle to, in rare cases, hormonal disorders. Causes include overfeeding; providing only high calorie beverages to satisfy thirst; using food to solve problems, relieve stress, or as a reward; and not providing enough opportunities for exercise. Studies have also shown that children who struggle over food when young tend to have more weight problems when they are older. Other factors that contribute to obesity include a family history of obesity, abnormal eating patterns such as binge eating, and the use of corticosterioid drugs. What are the symptoms?The symptom of obesity is being grossly overweight according to standard growth charts. Complications of obesity include heart disease, hypertension, and some cancers.

What is the treatment, While a child is still growing, treatment for obesity is to slow the rate of weight gain. However, never reduce your child’s food intake to promote weight loss without first consulting a doctor. The most important treatment for obesity is prevention through healthy eating habits. With an infant, avoid overfeeding. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, breastfed newborns should be nursed whenever they show signs of hunger. Newborns should be nursed approximately 8 to 12 times every 24 hours, usually 10 to 15 minutes on each breast. If you are bottle feeding, don't allow your child to have the bottle readily available day and night. Most infants need to be fed every two hours from birth to around two months of age, then every three hours from two to six months of age. By six months, most babies are satisfied with three meals a day and two snacks. Don't rush your infant at feeding times. It generally takes 15 to 20 minutes for a baby to feel comfortably full. If your baby stops feeding before the bottle is empty, don't insist that he or she finish it. Your baby knows how much he or she needs. Solid foods can be introduced around six months of age. Again, children on solid foods will let you know when they are full, usually by turning their heads away or holding their mouths closed.

Children