Childhood obesity
Childhood obesity is a serious medical condition that occurs when a child is well above the normal weight for his or her age and height. Childhood obesity can lead to all sorts of problems, from heart disease and bone trouble to social and psychological trauma. And the problem is growing. Today, twice as many children ages six to 11, and three times as many adolescents ages 12 to19, are obese than they were just 20 years ago.
Most excess weight is caused by kids eating too much and exercising too little. Far less common than lifestyle issues are genetic diseases and hormonal disorders that can predispose a child to obesity.
Early and appropriate intervention is particularly valuable. There is considerable evidence that childhood eating and exercise habits are more easily modified than adult habits. In order to prevent your child from obesity, you can take the following steps:
- Set a good example. Make sure you eat healthy foods and exercise regularly to maintain your weight. Then, invite your child to join you.
- Avoid food-related power struggles with your child. Avoid providing or withholding certain foods - sweets, for instance - as rewards or punishments. Foods aren’t recommended for behavior modification in children.
- Emphasize the positive. Encourage a healthy lifestyle by highlighting the positive — the fun of playing outside or the variety of fresh fruit you can get year-round, for example. Emphasize the benefits of exercise apart from helping to manage their weight, for example, it makes their heart, lungs and other muscles stronger.
- Be patient. Many overweight children grow into their extra pounds as they get taller. Realize, too, that an intense focus on your child’s eating habits and weight can easily backfire, leading a child to overeat even more, or possibly making him or her more prone to developing an eating disorder.
- Make sure that your child eats healthy. When buying groceries, choose fruits and vegetables over convenience foods high in sugar and fat. Always have healthy snacks available. Limit sweetened beverages. Discourage eating in front of a screen, such as a television, computer or video and limit the number of times you eat out, especially at fast-food restaurants.
- Increase your child’s activity level. A critical component of weight loss, especially for children, is physical activity. It not only burns calories but also builds strong bones and muscles and helps children sleep well at night and stay alert during the day. Such habits established in childhood help adolescents maintain healthy weight despite the hormonal changes, rapid growth and social influences that often lead to overeating. And active children are more likely to become fit adults.