Beating Childhood Obesity

Beating Childhood Obesity

Published: 09/22/2011 by Marcus Rey Williams MD

Childhood obesity is increasing throughout the industrialized world at an alarming rate. This rise has been so significant that the World Health Organization has now begun to call the condition an epidemic. Because of this, parents need to learn the facts about childhood obesity and find ways to work with their children to stop the spread of this serious condition. It is also important for parents to find ways of reversing the damage that has already occurred due to this growing problem.

Doctors have shown that the risks associated with childhood obesity are numerous and have linked it to potentially dangerous conditions such as high cholesterol, a frightening increase in the early onset of diabetes, and a long term risk of heart disease and stroke. Low self-esteem and depression associated with obesity may have an even further reaching effect on adolescents who are at a critical stage in their psychological development.

In the past, childhood obesity was thought to be caused by overeating and under-exercising in those lacking will power and self-control. Today, doctors recognize that childhood obesity is a serious medical condition that is due to multiple factors including genetic and various environmental, behavioral, and social factors.

Parents that are overweight are more likely to have children who are also overweight. These same parents tend to pass along negative behaviors, such as overeating and unhealthy meal choices, to their children. Television, video games, and computers, which children spend a good portion of their day using, have also led to a more sedentary lifestyle. The chance of childhood obesity is even greater if the child has a television or computer in their bedroom.

Prevention and treatment of obesity is a family affair. Modeling healthy choices will help your family break the cycle of obesity. As a family, come up with a 'get healthy plan' that is fun and will be easy to follow. This plan should be seen as a long-term lifestyle choice rather than a temporary solution for rapid weight loss. Parents that lead healthy lifestyles promote better habits and a positive self image for their children. A family health plan should be divided into two areas: healthy eating and an active lifestyle.

A family's dietary goals should encourage a healthy approach to eating that includes well-balanced and nutritious meals. If at all possible, avoid skipping meals - especially breakfast. Missing a meal lowers your energy level and metabolism making it harder to lead an active lifestyle. When planning meals, include at least three or four food groups. If your child is hungry, give him or her healthy snacks such as fresh fruit or cheese and crackers.

Even though snacks should be healthy, it is still important to allow your child to enjoy their favorite treats in moderation without feeling guilty. Once or twice a week, allow them to choose a low energy treat such as a couple of hard candies, one licorice stick, or Gummi Bears. Also choose sugar-free drinks for your child such as sugar-free soda, Crystal Light or water. Try to avoid regular soda, sweetened juice, fruit drinks, and flavored waters. These drinks are packed with sugar and have little nutrient value. It is always better for your child to get their calories from the food they eat rather than what they drink.

Your child's exercise and energy level is as important to their health as their calorie intake. Daily activity and exercise should be fun for your child and should be included as part of the family’s time together. Encourage your child to choose activities that they enjoy doing. These activities should give them twenty to thirty minutes of vigorous activity four or five times a week.

Switch up these activities so that your child does not become bored. Also, remind them that some of these activities, such as biking or walking home from school, can be part of their daily routine. If you find that your child is hiding out in their room watching television all night, remove the television and put it in another room. One research study has shown that children with a television in their bedroom watch at least five hours more television a week than those without.

Finally, exercise doesn’t need to seem like a daunting task that children have to go through alone. Find time each week to exercise with your child. Use this time as an opportunity to laugh with them and talk about their life. This will not only prove beneficial to you and your child's health, but will also work to strengthen the bond shared between the two of you.

Family support, encouragement, and participation are essential for your child to successfully beat childhood obesity. It is important to offer healthy foods, numerous activities, and be a good role model of a healthy lifestyle. Remove temptations such as chips and cookies from the house and be consistent. The most important gift that you can give your child is to show them that living a healthy lifestyle can be a fun family affair.

Take Shape For Life has a customized comprehensive program for the obese adolescent, that will bring a young persona to goal weight and teach successful principles for life-long maintenance. Make it a family affair, since children learn their permanent habits from parents and other adults. Give your obese child the gift of Optimal Health for a life-time.