Childhood Obesity Decoded! Genetic testing and symptomatic treatment

Obesity is not a disease, but it is the root of all diseases! According to statistics, among adults and children in Taiwan, overweight and obese people account for as much as one-third of the population, indicating that "obesity" has become a public issue worthy of attention in Taiwan. In particular, "fat children" are prone to many diseases. Now, through genetic testing, obesity factors can be identified in advance to stay away from the nightmare of obesity.

Childhood obesity is closely related to genetics, but the acquired environment is also an important influencing factor.

Liu Bowen, executive director of the Taiwan Obesity Education and Prevention Association and a weight loss specialist, pointed out that the overweight and obesity rate among elementary school children in Taiwan is 29.4%, with boys and girls accounting for 33.2% and 25.1% respectively. This means that one in every three elementary school boys and one in every four elementary school girls faces the problem of being overweight or obese.

Genetic testing can easily identify hereditary obesity

Children who are overweight or obese are prone to many diseases, including high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, stroke, asthma, etc., which will not only affect children's emotional and mental health, but also cause lack of self-confidence or low self-image. In addition, obesity can also cause eating disorders, such as bulimia, and depression.

In fact, obesity is hereditary. The latest research shows that if both parents are of normal weight, the child has only a 20% chance of becoming obese; if one parent is obese, the probability rises to 40%; and if both parents are overweight, the number rises to 80%. Therefore, "obese families" should pay more attention to hereditary obesity.

Doctor Liu Bowen (pictured) pointed out that early genetic testing can prevent hereditary obesity in children. (Photo/Reporter Zhang Shijie)

Childhood obesity has causes and should be treated symptomatically

Dr. Liu Boen emphasized that there are many factors that lead to childhood obesity. Environmental factors mainly include: poor eating habits, low activity levels, abnormal lifestyles, such as picky eating, partial eating, frequent drinking of sugary drinks, lack of regular exercise, watching TV and using the computer for too long, frequent late-night snacks, irregular meals, and not chewing slowly.

In addition, there are some less common causes that still need attention, including obesity caused by drugs, such as sex hormones, steroids, etc., or caused by diseases, such as endocrine diseases, chromosomal abnormalities, abnormalities in the brain's satiety and hunger control center, etc. If it is caused by a physical illness, it may be accompanied by problems such as short stature, abnormal appearance or developmental delay, which require diagnosis and treatment by a specialist.

Genetic testing reveals key points for obesity

1. Detection and interpretation of values ​​require expertise: There are many genetic tests available in the market, but not everyone can interpret the data produced. Different races have different genes, so genetic testing can more accurately understand and prevent disease risks.

2. Complete consultation before and after the test: People need to understand the significance of the test data. At the same time, through the test results and personalized health management services, people can stay away from disease risks by adjusting their diet and taking personalized nutritional supplements.

[Doctor's advice]:

With diet and exercise therapy complementing each other, the whole family should first help obese children stimulate their desire to lose weight. With the help of a doctor, they should set reasonable weight loss goals according to their age and obesity status, and then jointly formulate a weight loss plan. A nutritionist should help with dietary habit correction and treatment, but they must not take medication on their own to lose weight.