OVERNUTRITION
In the textbook of Pediatrics by Dr. Fe del Mundo, overnutrition or obesity is a generalized excessive accumulation of fatty subcutaneous tissue.
Overweight persons are those whose weight are said to be 10% or more above the desirable weight standard and obese persons are those whose weight are said to be 20% or more above it.
This condition is usually due to overeating or excessive intake of food compared with its utilization. Other factors that may cause this are genetic constitution, psychic disturbances, and insufficient exercise.
Clinically, obesity makes its appearance most frequently in late childhood but may become evident at any age. An obese child may have a nose and mouth that appear small because of the presence of a double chin. There is adiposity in the mammary region, the abdomen is pendulous with white or purple stripe, and the genitals of boys may appear disproportionately small because of the pubic fat. The upper arms and thighs have the tendency to accumulate more fats than the lower extremities.
It is the psychologic disturbances and emotional well- being of an obese child that will be most striking and that must be given an important consideration.
It is not easy for parents to regulate food intake of a child. But if one wishes to keep a check on tendencies to gain weight, the dietary principles are simple. Let us remember these:
- Energy-rich foods must be avoided or be taken in moderation.
- Intake of carbohydrates can also be restricted so with sweetened foods and snacks. Vegetables can be taken freely.
- One should always remember that in planning the diet, the basic nutritional requirements must be met.
- Reduction by 0.5-1kg per week of body weight is measurable and sufficient.
- Most importantly, exercise through play should also be encouraged in an obese child.