Lifestyle Disorders in Children: Causes, Effects, and Management
All parents always want the very best for their children, nurturing their growth and supporting them in every possible way. Every child is born with unique strengths and abilities that make each one wonderfully distinct. Lifestyle disorders have, however, recently posed a significant public health concern to children.
These conditions, often associated with unhealthy habits and lifestyles, can cause distress in their daily lives and can also have a grave influence on a child's health and well-being. A clear understanding of causes, effects, and management is required to ensure a healthier future for our children.
Understanding Lifestyle Disorders in Children
Lifestyle disorders are those health conditions caused by unhealthy lifestyles, such as an unhealthy diet, lack of physical activity, or excessive screen time. Although these problems were long believed to be adult issues, they are now alarmingly rising even among children. In India, researchers have estimated around 14.4 million children are obese, ranking second highest in the world. Hypertension and type 2 diabetes also have an upward curve. According to WHO, over 250 million children are at risk of not meeting their development potential in 2017, and lifestyle disorders can significantly contribute to this. More children across the globe are now suspected to suffer from lifestyle-related health issues, pointing to the urgent need for this change.
Impact of Lifestyle Disorders on Developmental Milestones
Lifestyle disorders can even impede the progress in both physical and cognitive development among children. Physically, it slows growth, reduces stamina, and predisposes one to serious chronic illnesses. Cognitively, children may suffer from difficulties in concentration and memory, among other abilities, due to the adverse effects of poor nutrition, sedentary behaviour, or stress.
Common Types of Lifestyle Diseases in Children in India
The lifestyle-related disorders in children nowadays seem to be increasingly widespread, caused by various factors. Research evidence shows that the number of children struggling with these disorders is increasing and can have a significantly detrimental effect on their health. The most significant lifestyle-related disorders include
Childhood Obesity
Childhood obesity is one of the leading lifestyle disorders in India and across the globe. It is caused by excess calorific intake along with genetic factors and a sedentary lifestyle. In obese children, potential threats include joint problems, diabetes, and social discrimination.
Type 2 Diabetes
Traditionally, it is an adult condition, but Type 2 diabetes is increasingly being diagnosed in children, particularly obese children. Poor eating habits and an inactive lifestyle both significantly contribute to this disease, which then provides lifelong health challenges and impairs their daily life.
Hypertension and Cardiovascular Risks
High blood pressure was once a rare condition in children but increasingly is seen to be associated with unhealthy lifestyles. It can predispose children to cardiovascular diseases such as atherosclerosis, coronary artery disease (CAD), left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH), heart failure, and stroke in later life, so there is an urgent need for early intervention.
Eating Disorders
Other severe conditions now identified in children include anorexia nervosa and binge eating, which are usually a result of problems with body image, pressure, and anxiety. They might heighten the effect of other existing conditions, contributing to various issues for a child's general well-being.
Causes of Lifestyle Disorders in Children
Not every child has the same contributing factor for their disorders, and a combination of different factors can cause it. Some of the most common causes of lifestyle disorders in children include:
Dietary Factors
Unhealthy eating practices, including eating a lot of fast food, sweet beverages, and junk foods, are associated with poor nutritional balance, leading to weight gain. Unhealthy nutrition has also led to several deficiencies in fundamental nutrients that might negatively impact health and body growth.
Lack of Physical Activity
Less time is given to outdoor games and sports due to modern ways of life; instead, they spend tremendous time in sedentary activities such as watching television or playing video games, thus reducing physical fitness and increasing lifestyle disorders.
Screen Time and Sedentary Lifestyle
Excessive screen time and a sedentary lifestyle contribute to children's poor physical health, interfere with their sleep patterns, and lead to mental health issues. Long hours spent in sedentary behaviours associated with screen time also reduce opportunities for active participation and social interaction.
Impact of Lifestyle Disorders on Children's Health
It is essential to understand that the impacts of these lifestyle disorders on children's health can vary. Some of them are
Physical Health Complications
Lifestyle disorders are often caused by a lack of physical movement and outdoor activities, leading to the onset of physical health conditions, including diabetes, asthma, and diseases affecting the joints, which will affect the child's quality of life drastically.
Psychosocial Effects
Children with lifestyle disorders commonly experience low self-esteem due to social exclusion, loneliness, and poor performance in school; therefore, there is a strong need for intervention at an early stage to manage and provide necessary help.
Preventive Measures for Lifestyle Disorders in Children
Lifestyle disorders can be prevented if one changes and follows a healthy lifestyle that improves overall well-being. Some of the measures are
Healthy Dietary Practices
Incorporation of balanced meals, fruits, vegetables, and whole grains into daily diets keeps off lifestyle diseases and maintains optimal health. The first step is always the hardest, but one can see significant changes after a healthy diet.
Encouraging Physical Activity at Home and School
Physical activities should be structured, whether it is through playing sports, dancing, or just regular outdoor play. These can improve physical health and profoundly benefit every aspect of their well-being.
Treatment Approaches for Lifestyle Disorder in Children
If you need professional help to manage your child's lifestyle disorders, there are treatments available to improve their overall well-being, including
Diet and Lifestyle Modifications
Therapeutic diet plans that consist of wholesome nutrition, and practical lifestyle patterns should be adopted to manage lifestyle disorders. Incorporating fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and active physical exercise reduces obesity, improves metabolic rates, and decreases the risk of chronic diseases.
Medical Interventions
In some extreme conditions, medicines or therapy can be considered in addition to the treatment. These would include treatments for any complications such as hypertension and type 2 diabetes, which they should receive under the advice of professionals.
Role of Parents in Managing Lifestyle Disorders
Parents facilitate healthy habit formation through healthy eating, promotion of sufficient physical activity, and limitations on-screen use. Role modelling and a supportive environment significantly influence children's long-term health behaviours.
School-Based Programs and Initiatives
Schools can promote healthy awareness with structured programs that provide nutritious meals, physical education classes, and other campaigns for healthy living. Such programs encourage children to develop healthy behaviours and adopt and maintain these healthy lifestyle practices.
Treatment Approaches for Lifestyle Disorder in Children
If you need professional help to manage your child's lifestyle disorders, there are treatments available to improve their overall well-being, including
Diet and Lifestyle Modifications
Therapeutic diet plans that consist of wholesome nutrition, and practical lifestyle patterns should be adopted to manage lifestyle disorders. Incorporating fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and active physical exercise reduces obesity, improves metabolic rates, and decreases the risk of chronic diseases.
Medical Interventions
In some extreme conditions, medicines or therapy can be considered in addition to the treatment. These would include treatments for any complications such as hypertension and type 2 diabetes, which they should receive under the advice of professionals.
Role of Parents in Managing Lifestyle Disorders
Parents facilitate healthy habit formation through healthy eating, promotion of sufficient physical activity, and limitations on-screen use. Role modelling and a supportive environment significantly influence children's long-term health behaviours.
School-Based Programs and Initiatives
Schools can promote healthy awareness with structured programs that provide nutritious meals, physical education classes, and other campaigns for healthy living. Such programs encourage children to develop healthy behaviours and adopt and maintain these healthy lifestyle practices.
