Even at an early age, too many children suffer from obesity. This can have various causes. In most cases, there are health consequences. It is important for parents to know how obesity develops and what can be done to prevent it. Read here about what is important for your child's healthy physical development and how you can influence it.

There are many causes that can lead to childhood obesity, but it is rarely a disease. Too much fat and sugar in food and drink play a role, and physical activity is also an important factor. In addition, a family predisposition can contribute to gaining weight faster than other people. However, the causes often lie in unhealthy habits: sitting for too long instead of exercising outdoors, for example, snacking in front of the TV or computer, a preference for sweet and high-calorie drinks. The coronavirus pandemic, with daycare centers, schools and sports facilities closed, has also contributed to the growing number of overweight children.

There is a great danger in not being able to get rid of the excess weight developed in childhood, or only with great difficulty. The health consequences can lead to illnesses that affect your entire life: These include diabetes, high blood pressure, cardiovascular problems, the development of a fatty liver and respiratory disorders. Pain in the hip and knee joints and misalignment of the joints are also often caused by excessive weight. Overweight girls often reach puberty earlier, overweight boys later. Excess weight can also lead to menstrual disorders in girls and breast enlargement in boys.

Prejudice, ridicule and teasing about their figure and weight are not uncommon among children and young people. In our society, thin people are seen as beautiful, attractive, fit and capable. Fat people, on the other hand, are seen as sluggish, unathletic and less capable. This stigmatization is felt by children from an early age. They are often exposed and experience exclusion, insults and bullying. This happens at school, in clubs, in their free time and increasingly on social media channels. Mental health suffers as a result: while frustration grows, self-confidence declines. This can result in psychological problems and even depressive symptoms. In this situation, parents are particularly challenged to support their child with empathy and to look for solutions together.