95 Percent Of Children's Obsitas Influenced By Energy Balance Problems

Illustration of Obesity

JAKARTA - Nutrition expert from the Faculty of Medicine, University of North Sumatra, Winra Pratita, said that 95 percent of obesity cases in children were influenced by energy balance problems, the rest occurred due to genetic abnormalities.

"Obesity occurs due to an imbalance between energy intake and energy that comes out. Thus, there is an excess of energy which is then stored in the fat tissue," said Winra Pratita, quoted by ANTARA, Monday, March 6.

Winra, who is also the Head of the Metabolic Nutrition and Disease Division of the Department of Children's Health Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of North Sumatra, said the case occurred due to high energy intake, which was not supported by optimal physical activity, resulting in low body metabolism.

"Based on etiology, obesity in children is 95 percent due to high energy intake, but physical activity is low," he said.

He said the lack of physical activity triggered weight to increase, especially during the pandemic, where many children's weight increased because they were only active at home.

Characteristics of obese patients due to energy imbalance are generally high in shape, have a history of obesity in the family, and normal bone growth.

He called obesity an abnormality or disease characterized by hoarding excessive body fat tissues.

"It is different from overweight, which is overweight compared to ideal weight caused by hoarding fat tissues," he said.

In addition to energy balance problems, five percent of obesity cases in children can also be caused by medical influences, such as endocrinology or genetic factors.

"Usually short-lived, no history of obesity in the family is obtained, bone growth is too late," he said.

A clinical symptom that can be recognized on the head, a round face, a trembemic cheek, a concave chin. In the throat of a tonsil hypertrophy, the neck looks short and black spots behind the neck, the chest blows with the breast growing, the sound of the breath slits.

In addition, genetic factors in obesity are also marked by a bulging stomach accompanied by folding belly walls, X-shaped legs, limited hip movements, the penis reproductive system looks small because it is covered in fat deposits.

Prevention efforts can be made, including by preventing consumption of sweetened food or drinks exceeding the safe threshold.

Sugar, salt, and fat intake is in accordance with the maximum recommendation, namely 50 grams of sugar per day (4 sdm), 2 grams of salt (sdt), and 67 grams of fat (5 sdm).

In addition, children also need a balanced intake of carbohydrate, vitamin, and mineral foods.

"Physical activities are needed for at least 60 minutes, you can play with your children according to your preferences. Reduce the time in front of your cellphone, tv or computer screen," he said.

Winra also encourages parents to pay attention to adequate sleep for their children. Children aged 4 to 12 months 12--16 hours, 1 to 2 years 11--14 hours, 3 to 5 years 10-13 hours, 6 to 12 years 9---12 hours, 13 to 18 years 8---10 hours.