Author: Qiu Binwei, Deputy Chief Physician, Department of Pediatric Internal Medicine, First Hospital of Longyan City, Fujian Province.
A number of factors can be associated with a child's precocious puberty, but obese children tend to be more likely to precocious. Precocious puberty is when a child's gonads begin to develop and produce hormones at a young age, leading to an increase in estrogen or testosterone levels in the body, leading to the early appearance of secondary sex characteristics. Precocious puberty can be caused by a variety of factors such as genetics, environment, and nutrition. Obesity causes an increase in fat cells in the body and releases some hormones, such as estrogen. Excessive secretion of these hormones can interfere with the normal growth and development process, leading to precocious puberty. Second, obesity is also associated with insulin resistance. Insulin is one of the important hormones for controlling blood sugar levels. When the body's response to insulin decreases, insulin levels rise, which can affect the balance of other hormones, which in turn interferes with the normal process of physiological development.
There are several key aspects to pay attention to to avoid precocious puberty and obesity, as well as to properly manage your child's growth and development. Please note that the following recommendations are for informational purposes only and do not apply to every child, as each child's physical characteristics and needs are unique.
1.Healthy Diet: Providing a balanced, nutritious diet is essential for a child's healthy development. Make sure they're getting enough vegetables, fruits, whole grains, protein, and healthy fats. Limit your intake of foods high in sugar, salt, and fat, especially processed foods and fast food.
2.Control your child's food intake: Take care to control your child's food intake and avoid overeating. Respect their hunger and satiety and encourage self-regulation. Avoid using food as a means of reward or comfort.
3.Eating schedule: Establish a regular eating schedule, including three meals and a reasonable snack time. Avoid irregular eating times and frequent snacking to promote a healthy metabolism.
4.Children's involvement: Encourage children to participate in the preparation and cooking of food, and develop their interest in healthy food. Let them know about food and how to choose healthy ingredients.
5.Proper exercise: Moderate physical activity is essential for a child's growth and development. Encourage them to do a variety of fun activities such as running, swimming, ball games, etc. Reduce the amount of time you spend sitting and playing with electronics for long periods of time, and set reasonable screen time limits.
6.Regular sleep schedule: A good night's sleep is essential for children's physical and cognitive development. Make sure they get enough sleep each night and establish a regular sleep schedule.
7.Manage stress: Avoid giving your child too much academic stress and extra extracurricular activities. Make sure they have enough rest time and opportunities to play freely.
8.Regular check-ups: Take your child for regular check-ups, including measuring indicators such as height, weight, and body fat. Adjust your diet and exercise plan as recommended by your doctor.
9.Role models for parents: As parents, be a role model for your children's healthy lifestyle. Demonstrate positive dietary choices and exercise Xi.
10.Consult with a professional: If you have any questions or concerns about managing your child's growth and development, it's best to consult a pediatrician, dietitian or other professional.
In winter, when the weather is cold, small children may be less inclined to be outdoors. Some indoor activities such as puzzles, drawing, playing, etc., can be provided to keep them active and entertained. They can also be encouraged to participate in indoor sports, such as indoor skateboarding, indoor rock climbing, etc., to stay physically active. Of course, parental example and encouragement are also important, and bringing children together to participate in activities will increase their interest and motivation.
In short, through a reasonable diet, moderate exercise, regular sleep, and stress reduction, you can help children avoid precocious puberty and obesity, and properly manage their growth and development.
Let children grow taller scientifically