Obesity and genetics

 (By Lisa Sarah John, Courtesy Bangalore Times, Aug 7, 2006)

There is a marked difference between being a few kilogrammes overweight and having an obesity problem. The earlier obesity is identified the better. At five, a child’s average weight should be about 20 kgs and height about 110 cm. By 10, the weight should be about 25-30 kgs and height about 130 cm.
Signs of obesity start showing around 7-8 years. If by now, the child is already 30 kgs or more, then parents need to look into her/his diet and lifestyle seriously. Thinking that it is only puppy fat which will disappear is not the solution. Today, children come with obesity problems at age 10, 11 and 12, weighing 60-80 kgs. I also see teenagers who are 80-100 kgs.
Overweight is 5-10 kgs more than your ideal weight. Anything above this must be dealt with very seriously as early as possible. It’s observed that there is a very strong connection between gland-related problems like diabetes, thyroid and imbalances of reproductive hormones.
Also, adults who are 20-30 kgs overweight must consider the health and weight status of parents, grandparents and close relatives on both sides. Those with close relatives having diabetes might observe a tendency to be plump since childhood. They might also gain weight rapidly, half to one kg in 3-5 days of holiday eating.
Those with a thyroid or reproductive hormone imbalance will see the same weight gain or weight loss pattern and also find themselves feeling lethargic and sleepy, even during the day. What is the solution? Obese people must work much harder than others to be normal.
The first step is to start regular exercise. Hormones take no holidays, so take no holidays from exercise. Walk everyday for 20-30 minutes, twice a day if possible, and you can lose weight. Children can do 20-30 minutes daily for a start. But there is no way to balance hormones without regular walking. Walking is the best exercise because it can be done anywhere, even when you travel.