Obesity has become a worldwide crisis, with childhood obesity emerging as a particularly urgent concern in many countries. This rise can largely be attributed to unhealthy diets and increasingly sedentary lifestyles influenced by technological advancements, resulting in children engaging in less physical activity and experiencing unhealthy weight gain.
Turkey is among the nations facing a significant increase in childhood obesity, highlighting the need for greater attention from society and public health officials. According to Turkey's Health Ministry, approximately 6.5% of children aged 6 to 10 are affected by obesity. Fortunately, Istanbul offers high-quality healthcare services for treating childhood obesity, making it an attractive destination for health tourists seeking to restore their child's well-being while enjoying the unique beauty of Turkey.
In the following sections, you'll find comprehensive information about the causes, symptoms, and treatments of childhood obesity in Turkey.
What Is Childhood Obesity?
Childhood obesity is a medical condition affecting children up to adolescence, characterized by an excessive accumulation of body fat that leads to being overweight or obese. This condition can increase the risk of various health problems and also impact psychological well-being, potentially causing issues such as depression and low self-esteem. The primary contributing factors to childhood obesity are unhealthy dietary habits, such as frequent consumption of processed foods, and lifestyle changes that reduce physical activity.
Types Of Childhood Obesity
There are three types of childhood obesity that are found in children in Istanbul. They are
- Class one obesity: where the body mass index is between 95 to 120 percent.
- Class two obesity: when the BMI ranges between 120 to 140 percent.
- Class three obesity: when BMI percent that is greater than 140 percent.
What Are The Symptoms Of Childhood Obesity?
Carrying extra weight does not always indicate that a child is overweight, as some children naturally have larger body frames. Growth patterns and developmental stages also contribute to variations in body weight among children. As a result, it can be difficult to determine if a child's weight is a health concern based solely on appearance. Professional assessment using growth charts, BMI calculations, and other medical evaluations is important for an accurate understanding of a child's health.
Symptoms of childhood obesity
- Increased body fat
- BMI above the 95th percentile for children of the same age and gender
- Breathlessness
- Excessive sweating
- Difficulty sleeping
- Joint pain or stiffness
- Low self-esteem
- Social isolation
- Depression or anxiety
- Poor performance in school or other activities
- Early onset of puberty
- High blood pressure
- High cholesterol and triglycerides
- Insulin resistance or type 2 diabetes
To determine whether a child's weight may pose health risks, calculate the child's Body Mass Index (BMI) and compare it to the healthy BMI range for their age and height. Pediatricians use BMI, growth charts, and additional tests to accurately assess a child's weight and overall health. These tools provide a more reliable evaluation than visual judgment alone.
Causes Of Childhood Obesity In Turkey
Various factors cause obesity in children. A few major causes of childhood obesity in Istanbul to look out for are given below.
Genetics
If obesity is prevalent in the family, a child is at a higher risk of becoming obese as well. This increased risk is influenced not only by genetics, but also by shared family eating habits and activity levels. Children who grow up in environments with unhealthy dietary patterns and minimal physical activity are more likely to become obese themselves.
Psychological Factors
Stress is recognized as a significant factor that can increase a child's risk of developing obesity. Children who struggle to manage challenging situations, emotional difficulties, or stressful events may experience elevated stress levels. In response, some children cope by overeating or turning to comfort foods, which can contribute to unhealthy weight gain and exacerbate the problem of obesity.
Intake Of Certain Medications
It is important to be mindful of the medications children take, as certain drugs”such as prednisone, paroxetine, and propranolol”can increase the risk of obesity as a side effect. Always consult your child's doctor about the potential risks and benefits of any prescribed medication.
Lack Of Exercise
Children who are not physically active”such as those who rarely play outside or exercise”are at a greater risk of becoming obese because they do not burn enough calories. A sedentary lifestyle, often due to spending excessive time indoors watching TV or playing video games, significantly contributes to unhealthy weight gain in children.
Poor Diet
Children are often drawn to processed, baked, and junk foods frequently promoted in advertisements. Consuming these high-calorie foods”often without awareness of their health risks”can contribute significantly to obesity. Additionally, excessive intake of sweets, soft drinks, and sugary fruit juices further increases the risk of unhealthy weight gain in children.
Physiological Effects Of Childhood Obesity
Childhood obesity can lead to a range of physical health problems, some of which may become more severe as a child grows into adulthood. In addition to immediate health concerns, obesity during childhood increases the risk of developing other serious health conditions, as outlined below.
Difficulties In Breathing
Obesity can lead to breathing difficulties in children, including a higher risk of developing asthma. These respiratory issues can significantly impact daily activities, making it harder for affected children to walk long distances or engage in extended conversations.
Type 2 Diabetes
Type 2 diabetes is a serious health condition that affects how the body processes sugar. Children with obesity are at an increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes, which can have significant long-term health consequences if not managed properly.
NAFLD
Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD) is a serious condition in which excess fat builds up in the liver, leading to liver damage. Children with obesity are at a significantly higher risk of developing NAFLD compared to their peers with healthy body weights.
Increase In Cholesterol And Blood Pressure
Unhealthy eating habits during childhood can lead to increased cholesterol and blood pressure, which may cause the arteries to become blocked. Over time, this significantly raises the risk of heart attacks and strokes later in life.
For more information about the causes of childhood obesity and related health concerns, please consult our doctors.
How To Diagnose Childhood Obesity In Turkey?
Doctors can diagnose childhood obesity in Istanbul by two methods. They use BMI analysis and certain blood tests to diagnose obesity in children.
BMI Analysis
The doctor measures the child's BMI and aligns it with the healthy BMI percentage and the age growth chart to determine whether your child is obese or healthy. After the BMI analysis, the doctor further studies your child's family history of obesity, eating habits, and lifestyle to proceed with treatment.
Blood Tests
Doctors can perform childhood obesity with a few blood tests that can help them diagnose obesity in your child. They perform a cholesterol test, blood sugar test, and other tests to check for hormonal imbalances related to obesity.
Approach us to gain more information about the various methods of diagnosis and to diagnose childhood obesity in Turkey.
How To Treat Childhood Obesity In Istanbul?
When addressing childhood obesity in Istanbul, the treatment strategy is tailored according to the child's age and any existing medical conditions. Generally, treatment involves adopting healthier eating habits and boosting physical activity levels. In certain cases, medications or weight-loss surgery may be recommended as part of a comprehensive care plan.
Healthy Diet Plan
Encourage your children to eat plenty of vegetables and fruits as part of their daily diet. Limit or eliminate soft drinks and sugary fruit juices, as these provide little nutritional value. It's also important to avoid fast food altogether to help your child maintain a healthy weight and support their overall well-being.
Increase Physical Activity
Physical activity is essential for children to burn calories, build strength, and increase stamina. Aim for at least two hours of outdoor play or physically active games each day. Encourage activities like walking and cycling to help children burn excess fat. Additionally, it's important to limit screen time, as too much time spent indoors on electronic devices can inhibit physical activity and contribute to unhealthy weight gain.
Medicines
Weight-loss medication is reserved for specific cases of childhood obesity and requires expert medical assessment. Only a healthcare professional can determine if this treatment is appropriate for your child.
Surgery For Weight Loss
Weight-loss surgery is generally not recommended for children. However, it may be considered for adolescents with severe obesity who have not responded to other treatments. As with any surgery, there are potential risks and complications, so this option should be carefully discussed with healthcare professionals.
You can consult with our doctors to gather insights on childhood obesity surgery in Turkey.
Get The Best Treatment For Childhood Obesity In Turkey
Turkey offers high-quality healthcare services at affordable rates, making it an attractive destination for medical care. Liv Hospital, with seven facilities across the country, is committed to delivering healthcare that meets international standards and is accessible to everyone. By combining advanced technology and expert care with minimal costs, Liv Hospital plays a key role in shaping the future of healthcare in Turkey.
To learn more about childhood obesity treatment options and pricing, please contact us for detailed information.
* Liv Hospital Editorial Board has contributed to the publication of this content .
* Contents of this page is for informational purposes only. Please consult your doctor for diagnosis and treatment. The content of this page does not include information on medicinal health care at Liv Hospital .
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