Some may feel like the recent publicity about childhood obesity is just hype. But childhood obesity can lead to bigger problems for kids when they grow up. Studies show that overweight children have a 70 to 80 percent chance of being overweight as adults.
And there are other risk factors, too. Studies show that overweight children have a great chance of developing diabetes, high cholesterol and high blood pressure.
You can help your child from becoming obese or you can help him or her lose weight if they are struggling. Here are some things you can do.
• Don’t let your kids eat when they are bored. Teach them not to eat while they are reading, watching television, or playing video games.
• Don’t use food as a reward. Use more proactive things such as a new book, shopping time, manicures or pampering.
• Involve the whole family in eating and exercise. Do not single them out.
• Make slow changes so they do not feel attacked and hide food.
• Praise frequently for healthy choices and exercise. Stay away from all negative comments and connotations
• Set goals as a family. Don't make them scale related.
• Have more active days. Plan active days.
• Have them pack lunches with you so they will have items they will eat, steer clear of school lunches.
Remember that there are no weight loss medications approved for children. Childhood obesity is not just a North American problem anymore. Read more at http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/health/4930264.stm.
6 comments:
Such a great post, obesity is a problem in our youth and it is something that needs urgent attention. I think that it is also important to stress that the whole family should be making goals to be healthy, not just the kids. Kids pick up behaviors from their parents, and really it reflects what they will be like when they are older. Paretns need to set a good eating example, and to make sure thaqt their family is healthy and happy.
Oh I definitely agree. We as parents and educational providers need to set good examples for all children on healthy living.
I agree, good parental examples of eating right and exercise habits are of extreme importance.
What is not addressed are the emotional and mental "foods/vitamins" we are "feeding" our children with. As an overweight and at times obese child, I know the pain and isolation obesity often causes. Because of of my childhood experiances,as well as parental experiance with children and grandchildren,ours ans well as others,it is my opinion that much of politically "correct" focus is in the wrong place. Genetics have a definite bearing on our body shapes and abilities to utilize the foods we choose. As parents we need to be aware of more than food and exercise, we need to know how we may unknowingly be the cause of life long food and or weight struggles. Our family "customs/traditions/beliefs" often play a huge part, thus unkowingly setting up a lifetime "trap" for our children. To learn more I invite you to visit my website. I will soon be adding information and helpful tips,regarding our parental responsibilities and unique family challenges concerning our beloved charges :-)
Obesity is one of the biggest health problem that threatening not only children but also parents. Parents should be aware about it and teach their kids about healthy eating habits.
It is good habit to keep children from obesity
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