Can Obesity Cause Thyroid Problems for your Child?
In one of our previous blogs – ‘Thyroid – associated with weight loss and weight gain’, we have said enough about weight issues associated with thyroid in women and men. But, do you know obese children can also get thyroid disease? Read on to find out the relation –
A kid's weight is not an indication of how much he/she is loved. Either way, the extra kilograms on your child's body are dangerous. In India, plump kids are called 'healthy' and are considered as a sign of prosperity in the family. In fact, the parents are largely responsible for their 'over-nutrition.' Naturally, we tend to over-feed our children; nothing seems enough for the mothers in terms of a child's nutrition. They always complain about how their kids don't eat 'enough.' If a child eats a lot and enjoys all kinds of foods, we reward them by bribing them with additional junk in terms of chocolates and sweets. The child, being innocent, would not understand the long-term effects of random trash calories, but we certainly do.
Now that kids have fallen in the obesity trap, the latest news suggests impending thyroid disorders in overweight children. Thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) is the main hormone that further influences and controls thyroid hormones T3 and T4. Obese children have shown higher levels of TSH along with elevated levels of T3 and T4. Thyroid problems reflect with multi-organ disorders and a variety of symptoms.
Reviewing some of the common signs and symptoms of hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism can help you to know when to get thyroid function tests ordered for your child and when to look for another cause for your child's symptoms.
Symptoms of Hypothyroidism
- short stature or deceleration of growth
- rough, dry skin
- constipation
- cold intolerance
- fatigue, decreased energy
- sleeping more
- easy bruising
- delayed puberty (teens)
- galactorrhea (white breast discharge)
- pseudoprecocious puberty (early puberty)
- headaches
- vision problems
Symptoms of Hyperthyroidism
- Emotional impact; with your child being more likely to cry easily, be irritable and excitable, etc.
- short attention span
- finger tremor
- increased appetite
- weight loss, failure to thrive
- enlarged thyroid gland (goiter)
- exophthalmos (protruding eyes)
- upper eyelid lag
- infrequent blinking
- flushed skin
- excessive sweating
- muscle weakness
- high blood pressure
As thyroid disorders are sometimes hard to diagnose, it is always advised to keep a check on your child’s weight. If he/she is gaining less weight or more weight than kids of his/her age, you must see a pediatrician for the check up. You can also try homeopathy treatment for thyroid, which is safe, non-toxic and non-additive for your child. Homeopathy treatment for thyroid has no side-effects and helps children cope with both the problems simultaneously. For detailed information, click: TREAT THYROID WITH HOMEOPATHY
So, let us teach our children to eat healthy and live healthy. Chubby cheeks look cute on them, but there is a greater harm than cute obesity entails. Make sure your kid is not caught in a disease trap due to bad lifestyle choices. Do not equate the love for your child with the amount of food they eat. It’s okay if they eat less, as long as they eat healthily, and this is the wisdom one must pass on to their children. Also, do pay attention to your own lifestyle. Unhealthy choices on your part may influence your child. Remember, you are their idol and they are always watching you.
Exercise is imperative. There is absolutely no alternative option to it. Weight management must start at an early age. If you keep discounting the childhood for freedom to eat and sleep, soon it will be too late to make amends.
Also Read: DIET & LIFESTYLE CHANGES FOR BETTER THYROID MANAGEMENT
