In recent years, obesity has become a global health problem as the number of obese people worldwide continues to rise. In order to advocate countries around the world to do a good job in the prevention and control of overweight and obesity in the population, the World Obesity Alliance announced in 2020 that March 4 of each year will be designated as "World Obesity Day", which is a day to remind us to pay attention to health and weight.
According to the Report on the Status of Nutrition and Chronic Diseases in China (2020), the overweight and obesity rates of children and adolescents aged 6 to 17 in China are 111% and 79%, and the prevalence of overweight and obesity among children under 6 years of age was 6., respectively8% and 36%。At the same time, according to the data released by the National Health Commission, the obesity rate of adolescents in China is increasing year by year, and the overweight and obesity rate (including obesity and overweight) among 15 to 17-year-old adolescents in some areas has exceeded 30%.
Obesity, as an "epidemic" in modern society, has many reasons behind it, including unhealthy eating habits, lack of exercise, environmental stress, etc. The consequences are especially severe when this "epidemic" hits children. Obesity can not only lead to short stature in children, but it can also trigger precocious puberty, and these consequences are far more complex and far-reaching than we think.
First, obesity can lead to short stature in children. Wang Bo, director of the Department of Pediatric Endocrinology at Beijing Angel Children's Hospital, said that the bone age of obese children is often greater than their chronological age, which may lead to premature closure of the epiphysis, which affects the final height of the child. A study of obese children found that the height of obese children in adulthood was generally lower than the genetic** height, which is a manifestation of short stature. Short stature not only affects a child's appearance, but it can also negatively affect their career choices and social interactions.
Second, the association between obesity and precocious puberty is even more worrying. Adipose tissue in obese children produces too much aromatase, an enzyme that converts male hormones into estrogen, causing abnormally high levels of estrogen in children. Excessive secretion of estrogen can lead to early gonadal development, which can lead to precocious puberty. Precocious puberty not only affects children's mental health, causing them to develop feelings such as low self-esteem and anxiety, but may also affect their bone development.
In the face of various health problems caused by obesity, Director Wang Bo called on the whole society to pay attention to the problem of obesity, especially among children and adolescents. Families, schools and society should work together to guide children to develop a healthy lifestyle, including a balanced diet and moderate exercise, to prevent the occurrence of obesity. At the same time, more care and support should be given to children who are already obese to help them lose weight and improve their health.
World Obesity Day is not only a reminder, but also a call to action, let us act together to let more people understand the profound impact of obesity on children's physical and mental health, and contribute to the healthy growth of children!