What is a Child Obesity Chart?

A child obesity chart is a chart of weight, height of the child as per his developmental stages. Every 4-6 months, these measurements are taken by the doctor and recorded in the chart. Then the chart is studied so as to make sure if the weight of the child is in proportion with the height. The child obesity chart is like a double-edged sword. It can have advantages as well as the same time it could prove to be a threat to mental health of children.

Benefits Of Child Obesity Charts

Obesity in children does not increase overnight. It can definitely be identified earlier and prevented by using appropriate measures. Parents should keep a watch on the children eating habits. Also they should maintain a child obesity chart as per instructed by the family doctor. Every three months, doctor should take the height and weight measures and updated the obesity chart. If the doctor finds any abnormality, it should be brought to the notice of the parents.

Suppose a doctor sees an imbalance in the weight growth, he should suggest appropriate exercise patterns to the children. Thus with the help of the child obesity chart, doctors can control child obesity issues by identifying them at an early stage.

If all doctors and families follow this procedure, the next two years will show a drastic fall in the child obesity cases.

Disadvantages Of Child Obesity Charts

The child obesity chart can also have a negative influence on the mind of children. He would be always conscious of his weight and this might act as a mental barrier to him. He may isolate himself from the society and hence develop a depression. Focusing too much on weight issues can be embarrassing for the child and would act as negative influence on the child.

In our society, being thin is seen as ideal. There is too much focus on weight losing which acts a negative influence on the children. Also sometimes weight gain occurs due to growth in height of a child. In such cases, parents and children need not worry, as they weight should be in proportion to the height. Proper guidance should be given to them otherwise it would lead to unnecessary stress to parents and children.

Summary: Also more focus has to be given on healthy eating rather than reducing on food. Just because to maintain a slim figure, girls tend to miss their meals which in turn affects their health. This can lead to malnutrition in children and cause a severe effect on their health. Children would not get necessary vitamins, minerals for the sake of not gaining weight.

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CHILD OBESITY