4 Nutritional Problems Often Occur in Children

4 Nutritional Problems Often Occur in Children

Being overweight or obese, is one of the nutritional problems of children

Nutrition is very important for children. Because, the development and growth of children, really require adequate nutrition. However, malnutrition has become one of the health problems that is affecting Indonesian people, especially in the eastern region.

Nutritional problems are certainly things that must be addressed immediately, so they don't increase, and are dangerous.

Nutrition problems in Indonesia are prone to occur in children, there are various nutritional problems in children. Nutritional problems usually include children who are too thin, overweight, short stature, and anemia.

1. Thin child
children tend to have thin bodies, especially when raised in low income or poor families. The lack of a child's body, caused by lack of nutrient intake.

This can increase the risk of children affected by various infectious diseases, and hormonal disorders, which have a negative impact on their health. This nutritional problem can be prevented by eating balanced nutritious food.

2. Overweight
Children usually get less vegetable and fruit fiber intake, often eat flavorful foods, and lack physical activity. This can make a child's diet is not in accordance with balanced nutrition, thereby increasing the risk of obesity, even obesity.

Obesity can increase a child's risk of developing hypertension, diabetes mellitus, cancer, osteoporosis, and other conditions, which can reduce productivity and life expectancy.

However, this nutritional problem can be prevented by regulating eating patterns and portions, eating fruits and vegetables, doing physical activity, and getting enough sleep.

3. Short stature
Most children have a short height. The average height of a child is shorter than WHO standards. The majority of boys are 12.5 cm shorter. Meanwhile, the average girl is 9.8 cm shorter.

Short bodies in childhood can be caused by chronic malnutrition or growth failure. Short bodies can have various effects.

Some of these include a decrease in body immunity, cognitive function, and metabolic system disorders. The disorder can pose a risk of hypertension, obesity, coronary heart disease, and diabetes mellitus.

4. Anemia
Anemia in children is mostly caused by iron deficiency. Quite a lot of  children have anemia or lack of blood. Anemia can have a negative impact on decreased immunity, concentration, learning achievement, and productivity.

However, this nutritional problem can be prevented by foods high in iron, folic acid, vitamin A, vitamin C, and zinc.

Overcoming the problem of nutrition in children
Nutritional status in Indonesia has experienced a significant increase. In dealing with nutrition issues, the government has made various efforts including, by providing adequate health services, and providing additional food in the form of nutrient-rich biscuits, especially in disadvantaged areas.

In addition, the government, through the Ministry of Education and Culture, is organizing the School Children Nutrition Program. The program is a government agenda to provide breakfast to students, so that they are always powerful when studying.

In addition, children also get character education, to get used to living a healthy and clean life. In 2020