Currently, according to the World Health Organization (WHO), more than 1 billion people in the world are obese, and the estimate is that this number will reach 1.9 billion by 2035.
In Canada, the situation is not unlike. Data presented on the government website show that rising rates of obesity are a significant public health concern in Canada since almost two in three adults and one in three children and youth are overweight or living with obesity with even higher rates in marginalized and equity-seeking populations.
World Obesity Day, celebrated on the 4th of March, is an opportunity to better understand the complex nature of obesity and challenges prevailing preconceptions and misconceptions about it.
In this post, we will focus on childhood obesity, as this condition makes children more susceptible to health problems that were previously considered adult problems, such as diabetes, high blood pressure and cholesterol. In addition, and not least, childhood obesity can also lead the child to have low self-esteem and depression.
What are the causes of obesity?
Apparently, there is not a single cause, but a set of factors that contribute to being overweight among children. Among them we can mention:
Diet and food: Regularly eat high-calorie foods such as fast foods and sweets.
Lack of physical exercise: Children who don’t exercise a lot are more likely to gain weight because they don’t burn off the calories they eat.
Lack of sleep: The quality of sleep can be an important factor for childhood obesity since the rest schedule is synchronized with the child’s biological clock.
Family factors: If the child belongs to a family of overweight people, he may be more likely to put on weight. This is especially true in an environment where high-calorie foods are always available and physical activity is not encouraged.
Psychological factors: Personal, parental, and family stress can increase a child’s risk of obesity. Some children overeat to deal with their problems and emotions, such as stress, or to fight boredom.
Socioeconomic factors: Families in some communities have limited resources and limited access to a balanced diet. As a result, they can buy foods high in fats and sugars, such as frozen meals, crackers and cookies. Additionally, people living in low-income neighborhoods may not have access to a safe place to exercise.
Some Remedies: Some prescription medications can increase your risk of developing obesity.
How can CBD-based drugs help treat childhood obesity?
In certain cases, obesity can reach a point where it becomes difficult to control without the use of medication or only with prophylactic measures. On the other hand, certain drugs used to control weight and suppress appetite can have severe side effects, especially since most of them are only recommended for adults.
In this regard cannabidiol (CBD) can be a safe choice, considering its few adverse effects and its effectiveness. In the case of obesity, including childhood obesity, cannabidiol becomes a powerful ally to help with weight loss.
That is because it acts on three fronts, thus contributing to the elimination of body fat and BMI reduction. Firstly, by supporting the metabolism, by helping the work of the mitochondria, the kind of “generators” of the cells that convert sugar and fat into energy. Another front of action for CBD is as a regulating agent for insulin levels, which helps to burn fat indirectly. Finally, cannabidiol is a powerful appetite suppressant, making a decisive contribution to reducing calorie intake.
In addition to its effectiveness, cannabidiol also has an additional advantage, which makes it suitable for treating childhood obesity: its few adverse effects.
Scientific research
A prominent study in this field is Phytocannabinoids: Useful Drugs for the Treatment of Obesity? Special Focus on Cannabidiol.
In it, the authors reach important conclusions about how cannabidiol acts to induce weight loss, highlighting its role in reducing insulin resistance: In the existing data, they can conclude that CBD has promising potential as a therapeutic agent and may be effective in relieving symptoms of insulin resistance, type 2 diabetes and metabolic syndrome.
It is important for everyone to be aware of the issue
It is important to highlight that the stigma of obesity is a significant barrier to the health of people living in Canada, including limiting opportunities, access to services and supports, and social inclusion. In general, prejudice and stigma contribute to increased morbidity and mortality, regardless of weight or body mass index.
Children and young people living with obesity are at increased risk of developing a variety of health problems, both physical and emotional, that are likely to persist into adulthood.
The Government of Canada is working with provinces and territories and partners to help children, youth, and families adopt and maintain healthy behaviors such as physical activity and healthy eating habits. For example, through the Healthy Canadians and Community Fund, the Public Health Agency of Canada is supporting community initiatives, including projects to support young families and their children, to improve overall health and well-being, promote healthy living and help prevent chronic disease.
Still have questions?
At Gaia Hemp, we believe in the miracle healing power of herbs, as we personally have experienced the restorative medicinal benefits of CBD. We value transparency by offering the finest quality Canadian-grown hemp and cold-pressed CBD extracted with 100% purity. If you still have questions, do not hesitate to contact us today.
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