Definition of Childhood Obesity
When a child is in a weight class above the normal for height and age, he or she is considered obese. It is a serious medical condition that affects about 15 percent of children. Nearly 25 million children and teens in the United States are obese or overweight. During the past four decades, obesity rates have soared among all age groups, increasing more than four times among children ages 6 to 11.
Numerous environmental factors have contributed to the increase in childhood obesity, including urban sprawl, availability of junk food, growing portion sizes, lack of safe play areas, and the increasing popularity of television, video games, and computer use.
Obesity is associated with a variety of cardiovascular disease risk factors such as elevated blood pressure, elevated lipid levels, and heightened insulin or glucose levels. All these factors are precursors for heart disease or Type 2 diabetes in young adults. These children are also at increased risk of low self-esteem because of the social emphasis on appearance and being slim. Overweight children have a 70% chance of becoming overweight or obese adults.
Obesity in children must be addressed and studies show that tackling this problem early on can prevent the serious problems associated with it. Overweight children need the support of their families and communities. Health newsletters, walking contests, marathons, healthy food option, community-based programs on health and weight loss can all contribute to a healthier lifestyle for kids.
Increase Physical Activity
Children with lack of parental limitations on television watching and their parents own television viewing habits, were five to ten times more likely to be overweight. Encourage your child to participate in team sports, individual sports, and-or recreational activities such as walking, running, skating, bicycling, swimming or just playground activities instead of giving them TV and computer use for the rest of the day.
One study showed only about a quarter of kids has physical education class at school. You can increase a childs physical activity by encouraging him to walk or ride his bike to school accompanied by an adult. Demonstrate the importance of physical activity by walking or biking with him.
Introduce Healthier Eating
Much of what we eat is quick and easy – from fat-laden fast food to microwave and prepackaged meals. Daily schedules are so jam-packed that there is little time to prepare healthier meals or to squeeze in some exercise. However, preventing and treating childhood obesity should involve the whole family. After all, one of the first ways children learn is by imitating.
Parents often indulge into instilling faulty food habits including too much of fast foods, chocolates among others in order to pamper their children. If the child does not see temptations inside the house, then it will be easier for him to practice healthy eating habits. This is a prevention tactic that should start early in the household, as children who are already used to eating junk food may be difficult to train to eat healthier food.
A child should not go on an extremely restricted diet, nor prevented from eating when he is hungry. Children need nutrients and calories to help them develop and grow. If you find that you cannot help your child lose weight with a nutritious eating plan and physical activity, consult a physician or dietician.
Having our children lead a healthy life can be made easier by implementing certain steps at the community level. You can promote walking contests in your neighborhood or write to your councilman about healthy food options in schools and day care centers. Little things here and there can slowly contribute to a healthier lifestyle for kids.
Prevention is the key in shaping our children for a healthy adulthood. The environment, genetics and behavior all play a part in children getting obese. The most important thing is to focus on changing those things that we can control such as behavior, habits, positive attitudes and effective communication. Help your child to eat well and be active. This is a gift that lasts a lifetime – a long lifetime.
Fitness Centers of Rochester, Rochester Group Fitness Programs and Weight Loss Centers of Rochester provide health and fitness consultation to its members.