Obesity is one of the growing and complex health problems in the world today, affecting millions of children. A new research, however, suggests that the epidemic is prevalent in two childhood phases.
In a research conducted by Exeter University researchers led by Professor Terence Wilkin, there are two periods of a child's life where obesity seems to be very high: when they are still toddlers and when they have already reached adolescence.
This is after they analyzed plenty of data and medical records dating to the 1980s and comparing them to information of no less than 300 children today.
The results further counter one of the most commonly held misconceptions about obesity-that is, it is caused only by lack of exercise and proper diet. The study suggests that even the environment they are in can also contribute to the increase in obesity.
For example, when toddlers are obese, more likely, they are influenced by the lifestyle of their parents, who are also probably obese or overweight. Meanwhile, when they reached their teenage years, they may gain again some pounds due to peer pressure.
The researchers believe that their findings can provide a better insight of the dynamics of childhood obesity, especially how to deal with it. Interventions, therefore, should not be a one-for-all approach but rather should be customized based on factors such as the age, lifestyle, and environment of the children.
Since more than two decades ago, the rate of obesity prevalence among children has jumped by more than 10% from 5%.
The results of the study, meanwhile, tend to coincide with a similar research performed by a team of King's College London, which was revealed early this year. They noted that in the UK, the rate of obesity among children between 11 and 15 years old continues to increase although the overall percentage of childhood obesity has tapered off or plateaued albeit slightly.
