[Kok! Health] Don't Just Stay Indoors Because It's Cold... Beware of 'Soa Obesity'

[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Gwan-joo] Winter vacation is a time for children to enjoy freedom, but it is also a period when health can easily deteriorate. Since they stop attending school daily, their daily routines tend to become irregular. They spend time watching TV or playing games indoors all day in the cold weather. Lack of exercise can quickly lead to pediatric obesity. Pediatric obesity not only increases the risk of various adult diseases but also negatively affects the growth of children who are still developing.

Obesity stock photo. [Image source=Pixabay]

Professor Seo Ji-young of the Department of Pediatrics and Adolescents at Nowon Eulji University Hospital warned, "The problem with pediatric obesity is that 80-85% of cases develop into adult obesity," adding, "Adult diseases such as hyperlipidemia, fatty liver, hypertension, arteriosclerosis, diabetes, myocardial infarction, and cerebral hemorrhage appear early, and in severe cases, complications of these adult diseases may occur from a young age." Not only adult diseases but also early puberty can occur, and the early closure of growth plates may result in a final adult height shorter than children who grow more slowly. Children may also complain of pain in the knee joints or spine due to supporting excess weight.

Although there is no established precise criterion for diagnosing pediatric obesity, it is commonly assessed using the Body Mass Index (BMI). A BMI between the 85th and 95th percentile is considered overweight, and above the 95th percentile is classified as obese. This means weighing more than 20% above the standard weight for children of the same age, sex, and height. There are also physical characteristics that can be visually confirmed. Compared to normal children of the same age, obese children tend to have greater weight and height, advanced bone age, and in girls, fat accumulates in the hips, while in boys, fat accumulates on the torso and arms and legs, sometimes causing the abdomen to protrude.

Additionally, fat accumulation in the breast area can cause enlarged breasts in boys, and white or purple stretch marks (striae) may appear on the skin of the abdomen or thighs. Obesity is common on the back of the arms and thighs, with relatively small and thin hands, and genu valgum (knock-knees) may be observed. If dark pigmentation known as acanthosis nigricans appears on the neck folds, armpits, or groin, it indicates a higher risk of diabetes and requires testing.

Seo Ji-young, Professor of Pediatrics and Adolescents at Nowon Eulji University Hospital.

The main causes of pediatric obesity are unhealthy eating habits and lack of exercise. Syndromic obesity caused by specific diseases accounts for less than 1%. The rapid increase is due to environmental factors such as changed eating habits, lifestyle, and inactive family tendencies rather than genetic factors. Especially for children who are already obese, prolonged periods spent only at home can lead to irregular routines and unhealthy eating habits. Caregivers at home should help obese children maintain regular routines and balanced diets.

For prevention, establishing proper eating habits with children is most important. Professor Seo emphasized, "To improve pediatric obesity, it is important to remember that children continue to grow, unlike adults. The goal of obesity treatment should not be weight loss but rather preventing further weight gain. Consuming foods rich in protein and calcium that support growth, along with daily consistent exercise, promotes growth hormone secretion, which helps children grow taller and naturally reduces obesity."

① Maintain a regular lifestyle pattern by going to bed early and waking up early.

② Do not skip breakfast.

③ Follow a low-calorie diet with a balanced ratio of the three major nutrients: carbohydrates 55-60%, protein 7-20%, and fat 15-30%.

④ Take at least 20 minutes for each meal and eat slowly.

⑤ Avoid binge eating; it is better to eat small amounts at regular meal times.

⑥ Do not eat after 7 p.m.

⑦ Eat foods low in fat and high in fiber such as multigrain rice, potatoes, sweet potatoes, whole grains, fruits, and vegetables.

⑧ Consume a variety of colors, with at least five different kinds of vegetables and fruits.

⑨ Limit high-fat foods, especially those high in saturated fats. Fat intake should be less than 30% of the daily average consumption.

⑩ Restrict high-sodium foods and encourage eating blandly.

⑪ Consume moderate amounts of high-quality protein foods (meat, fish, tofu, eggs), avoid fried foods, and if cooking, use grilling, steaming, or boiling methods.

⑫ Absolutely avoid snacks, fast food, processed foods, and sugary drinks.

⑬ Encourage drinking water instead of beverages. Parents should actively set an example and help children stay physically active every day.

⑭ Engage in aerobic and strength exercises at least three times a week for a minimum of 30 minutes each session.

⑮ Limit TV watching, smartphone use, and PC gaming to less than two hours per day, excluding study purposes.

(Information provided by Professor Seo Ji-young, Department of Pediatrics and Adolescents, Nowon Eulji University Hospital)