Childhood obesity is a term that refers to those children and adolescents between the ages of 6 –17 whose body weights are more than 25% fat for boys and 32% fat for girls. Childhood obesity is reaching epidemic proportions, and if something is not done, children will continue to be more unhealthy and unhappy.
Obesity in children can lead to a whole host of health problems, many which are not often seen until late adulthood. These include:
Diabetes
High Blood Pressure
Heart Disease
Asthma
Sleep Apnea
Greater risk for injury for muscle and bone injury
Obesity can also have a profound effect on children and adolescents emotionally as well. Children and adolescents might be teased by their peers, be left out of team sports because of their perceived inability to play, and become depressed because of the lack of clothing available for larger sizes. This can lead to depression, and even binge eating as a means of coping.
There are a number of factors that contribute to childhood obesity, many of which can be altered with simple lifestyle changes within the family. These include:
Lack of exercise or regular physical play
Excessive TV watching, video game playing, or computer usage, which encourages a sedentary lifestyle
Eating too many high fat, high calorie foods
Genetics
With the exception of genetics, much can be done to turn around the problem of childhood obesity. Much of it starts within the family, and with the parents. Setting a good example is critical to having children who grow up knowing how to make wise food and fitness choices. Some of the things that parents can do include:
Spend time doing physical activities as a family: take walks together, ride bikes together, play games in the backyard
Have the kids do chores around the house that require physical exertion, including vacuuming, mowing the lawn, sweeping, and washing the car
Give your kids the opportunity to participate in sports or other organized physical activities, either at school or in the community, including soccer, swimming, gymnastics, and karate
Limit the amount of time the kids watch TV every day
Eat meals together regularly, and have the kids help prepare them
Limit, or eliminate altogether, fast food stops & Junk foods
Reduce the portion sizes at meals and at snack time
Avoid buying processed snack items that are high in calories and fat like cookies; opt for fresh fruits, yogurts, or whole grain crackers and bagels
Make sure the kids get fruits, vegetables, and whole grains daily
Don’t eliminate treats like cookies or cake entirely; teach moderation, and kids are less likely to overindulge on sweets
By setting an example and encouraging a healthy diet and regular physical activity, kids can avoid the trap of childhood obesity. They will be more active, more energetic, happier, and healthier. And they will be learning habits that will take them from adolescence into adulthood, where they will be able to make smart food and exercise decisions.
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