If parents notice a child's clothes becoming tight after just a few weeks, it could signal unhealthy weight gain. This condition raises the risk of chronic health problems in adulthood. Monitoring weight, adjusting diet, and encouraging physical activity are crucial for management.

Children are usually active. If a child avoids physical activity, struggles to keep up with peers, gasps for breath, or sweats easily during light exertion, excess weight may be impacting their heart and lungs. Prolonged issues increase the risk of early hypertension and reduced confidence in physical activities.

Snoring, brief pauses in breathing during sleep, or restless sleep can indicate obstructive sleep apnea, often seen in overweight children. Poor sleep quality disrupts hormones regulating hunger and blood sugar, increasing appetite and the risk of metabolic diseases like type 2 diabetes.

Knee, hip, or back pain in children warrants attention. Excess weight puts sustained pressure on developing joints, potentially altering posture and limiting movement. Long-term, being overweight raises the risk of early osteoarthritis and man tinh musculoskeletal pain in adulthood.

Dark, velvety skin patches on the neck or under the arms, coupled with increased thirst, frequent urination, or high blood pressure or cholesterol, signal metabolic dysfunction. These symptoms are often linked to insulin resistance and early cardiovascular stress, which can progress to type 2 diabetes, fatty liver disease, or heart disease if left unaddressed.

Children experiencing unhealthy weight gain may face teasing or develop body image issues. Over time, this can lead to anxiety, depression, and emotional eating habits, further contributing to weight gain. If there is a family history of obesity, diabetes, or early cardiovascular disease, children with rapid weight gain need close monitoring. Early intervention can significantly reduce their risk of developing similar conditions in the future.

To ensure healthy weight gain, parents should create an energy-rich diet, divided into 4-5 small meals daily, avoiding forced eating. Prioritize nutrient-dense foods like whole milk, eggs, red meat, butter, nuts, and healthy fats. Combine this with increased physical activity, a pleasant eating environment, and regular deworming to improve nutrient absorption.

Le Nguyen (According to Times of India)