Childhood Obesity
It is a sad fact, but research has shown that obesity has reached epidemic levels throughout the world. In the US nearly two-thirds of Americans are obese or at least classed as overweight. The World Health Organization guideline is for lower than ever daily levels of salt, sugar and fat in a bid to promote a healthier lifestyle.
Childhood obesity is not fully understood, it can genetic, linked to environmental factors, but on the whole is caused by lack of exercise, poor nutrition as sugary and fatty foods are more obtainable. This may mean that our children will have a shorter life span than us.
Parents of children with this condition, no matter how young, should ensure the family reverts to a healthy lifestyle rather than aiming for weight loss exclusively. As your child grows taller, he may even grow out of it, especially if he is under seven years old. However a fifteen year old is likely to remain obese into adulthood.
Good results with obesity, have been shown with surgery, but this raises some difficult issues for children. So what should you do to help your child overcome this problem with a healthier lifestyle? Let me give you a guideline, actually a few.
First, if your child suffers from obesity don’t force him to eat more than he wants, as he may lose their natural ability to regulate what they eat.
Don’t give foods as rewards. This can lead to comfort eating and after all the best motivator is praise.
Don’t single your child out, you all need to change to a healthy lifestyle. Teach your child about healthy food, especially those which are high in vitamins and nutrients. Why fill up a bowl with crisps and biscuits, when you can fill it up with fruit? Always choose the healthy option for all of you, as it is very difficult for a child to alter eating habits, when you don’t.
Why not buy a juicer and have fun together preparing tasty fresh fruit drinks?
Finally take more exercise as a family, a walk in the woods or in the park. Take a ball to kick around. If you have the time and live close enough to your child school, walk with him, instead of taking the car. These are all excellent steps to take for childhood obesity.
