Weight management at the early childhood, is an essential part of healthy growth amongst children. It helps in achieving and maintaining a healthy weight which is essential to enhance physiological and psychological health of the child.¹ A rapid weight gain in the early childhood is associated with the future risk of obesity. Hence, it is needed to improve the dietary patterns and health status of this age group. 

Need of Weight Management

The high prevalence of childhood obesity is recognized as a global public health priority. It is estimated that obesity affects >107 million children worldwide.²

Studies have proven unhealthy eating patterns have a significant association with overweight or obesity, because poor dietary behavior results in excess energy intake, which leads to increase in weight and obesity. The child in their innocence tend to adopt irregular eating habits which leads to childhood obesity. Some major factors of childhood obesity are³:

• Individual's genetic background

• Dietary intake 

• Physical activity

• Age and gender 

• Parenting style

• Parent’s lifestyle 

Psychosocial Consequences of Obesity³

Childhood obesity affects children's social and emotional health. Obese children are often excluded from activities, particularly competitive activities that require physical activity. As they tend to be slower than their peers and contend with shortness of breath. These negative social problems contribute to low self-esteem, low self-confidence, and a negative body image in children and can also affect academic performance. All the above-mentioned negative effects of overweight and obesity can be devastating to children. 

The growing issue of childhood obesity can be slowed if we as society holistically focus on the causes and implement the right nutrition. There are many components that play into childhood obesity, some being more crucial than others. A combined diet and physical activity intervention conducted in the community is more effective at preventing obesity or overweight.³