Why children suffer from obesity and how to get rid of it

According to the latest research by the WHO European Childhood Obesity Surveillance Initiative (COSI), every fifth child in Ukraine has excess body weight. Among children aged 6–8, this figure reaches 22.96%, with 9.13% suffering from obesity and 2.63% from severe obesity.

It is crucial to understand that obesity has different stages, and the higher the degree, the greater the risk of serious health problems. Boys are especially vulnerable, as they are more likely to be overweight than girls.

As a medical expert, I see this issue firsthand daily and witness its consequences. Parents often ask, “Why is our child overweight? What are we doing wrong?” The answer is both simple and complex: in 99% of cases, the leading causes of obesity are an unbalanced diet and a sedentary lifestyle.

Developing Healthy Habits in Children

Children cannot independently assess the quality of their diet, so the responsibility for their nutrition lies entirely with their parents. If a child is overweight, it usually indicates that healthy eating habits have not been established in the family.

To solve this issue, parents must first learn the basics of balanced nutrition themselves and then teach their children.

Steps to Help a Child Overcome Obesity

1. Lead by Example

The first step is changing the eating habits of the parents. Children do not just listen to words; they imitate the behavior of adults. If parents do not follow the principles of healthy eating, they will be unable to teach them to their children.

2. Education Is the Key to Success

To avoid common mistakes, studying reliable information about balanced nutrition is important.

For example, I am the chief expert of the evidence-based medicine channel MEDplus, where you can find comprehensive information on this topic. Additionally, we have created SuGuard, a series of animated nutrition lessons for children — an interactive way to teach kids the basics of proper nutrition in an engaging and fun format.

3. Apply the Knowledge in Daily Life

Information is available, and access to it is open. The main task of parents is not only to understand the issue but also to pass this knowledge on to their children by incorporating it into everyday life.

Lifestyle and Weight in Children

A sedentary lifestyle only worsens the situation. It is essential to understand:

• You cannot simply force a child to exercise if their diet is unbalanced. First—normalize nutrition, then introduce physical activity.
• You cannot just tell a child to “go run.” In some cases, physical activity can be harmful to children with obesity. Excess weight puts extra stress on the joints, leading to fractures, back problems, and other complications.
• It is crucial to monitor children’s posture. Prolonged sitting in the wrong position can cause neck pain, scoliosis, and spinal issues.

Consequences of Excess Weight and Obesity in Children

Childhood obesity can lead to psychological and physical problems that begin at an early age and significantly increase the risk of serious diseases in the future.

What Can Develop in Childhood?

• Psychological complexes and low self-esteem
• Excessive joint strain, leading to pain, restricted mobility, or even fractures
• Postural disorders, spinal curvature, back and leg pain
• Risk of early metabolic disorders

What Are the Future Risks?

• Type 2 diabetes
• Hypertension (high blood pressure)
• Heart and vascular diseases
• Hormonal imbalances
• Fatty liver disease and liver problems

Prevention: The Best Solution

The best way to prevent these problems is to focus on childhood obesity prevention by developing healthy eating habits early on.

Teach children to balance their diet so they don’t feel restricted among their peers. Highlight treats within the framework of a balanced diet. For example, opt for fruits instead of regular candy and chocolate with sugar. A wide variety of sugar-free sweets are also available today, including alternatives to popular snacks like Snickers.

Teach children to choose healthy foods even when surrounded by unhealthy options. Again, the first step is parental behavior—children imitate their parents, so start by changing your own eating habits:

• Eliminate foods containing more than 5% sugar, such as candy, chips, and sugary drinks.
• Shift to a balanced diet, maintaining the proper ratio of proteins, fats, and carbohydrates (PFC).
• Avoid extreme diets; instead, follow a rational eating approach that includes all essential nutrients.
• Prioritize whole foods: fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats.
• Build long-term healthy habits instead of relying on short-term diets.

The key is to make healthy eating a natural part of life, not a restriction. Show children how a balanced diet affects their appearance, well-being, and energy levels. Demonstrate that proper nutrition helps them stay active, strong, and confident.

Instead of eating high-calorie foods for entertainment, choose engaging activities together—walking, cycling, sports games, or other enjoyable and health-friendly activities.

It is also a great idea to cook together at home using your child’s favorite ingredients while following the principles of balanced nutrition. Cooking together helps children understand the composition of foods, learn to select quality ingredients, and develop lifelong healthy eating habits.

If we want our children to grow healthy, strong, and energetic, we must start with ourselves. Eating habits are formed within the family, and only parents can create an environment where making the right choice becomes obvious.