Weight Management
Conquering Childhood Obesity
The number of obese children in the United States is increasing at an alarming rate. Among children and teens ages 6-19 years, more than 9 million young people are considered overweight.
The rise in childhood obesity can be attributed to two factors:
1. too little exercise and
2. too many calories.
Children get less exercise at home because of more time spent with television, video games and computers. They get less exercise at school because many schools have cut back on physical education classes to concentrate on math, science and reading.
In addition, busy families end up eating more meals out at fast-food restaurants or buying take-out ---choices that often include foods high in fat and calories. Many schools also include fast-food menu choices for lunch as well as soft drinks in vending machines.
Genetics also play a role in overweight kids. Children of overweight parents are at a greater risk of obesity themselves. A recent study had found that nearly two- thirds of American adults are overweight.
Healthy Concerns
Although excess weight can harm a child’s self-esteem, physical damage is just as detrimental. Many children who are obese already have high cholesterol and high blood pressure, both of which increase a child’s risk of heart disease and diabetes, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Obese children can also suffer from sleep apnea, a condition in which the breathing is interrupted many times during the night. Sleep apnea can cause learning and memory problems in children.
Liver problems, hypertension, endocrine imbalance, gallbladder disease, stress-induced joint disease, and asthma can also affect obese children.
Make a Difference…what parents can do
Preventing obesity in children requires helping them increase their physical activity and reducing the number of calories they eat. Children should exercise everyday and eat foods high in fiber and low in calories and fat.
Help them out by buying fruits and vegetables and serving their kid-sized portions of food at home instead of fast food. Sign kids up for sports activities such as soccer, basketball and swimming. Keep them active year-round with family outings to the park.
If your child has a weight problem be supportive rather than critical. Join them in their exercise and food choices. Encourage good health habits. Also, limit the amount of time your child spends on television, computer and video games.
Don’t use food as a reward or punishment. If you believe your child should be on a diet, discuss it with your child’s doctor and nutritionist.
