Child Obesity

Causes of Child Obesity

Experts say that children today are far more sedentary than children of past generations. Many children's favorite pasttimes are watching television and playing video games, both extremely sedentary activities. Besides having a less active lifestyle, many kids' diets are not as healthy as they could be. In our daily hustle and bustle, we run through the fast food drive- through instead of preparing a more healthy dinner at home. There are hundreds of snack foods that cater to children, most of which are full of fat, sugar, and nothing but empty calories. Even children's juice drinks have far more calories than vitamins. Those are the reasons that many kids are overweight. But what can we do to change it?

Solutions for Child Obesity

Like most problems, the issue of overweight kids has solutions. The answers are not always easy, but they are doable.

Heredity

Heredity plays an important role in childhood obesity. Parents who are overweight need to be even more diligent in monitoring their children's diet and activity levels. Parents should try to be a good example to their children with their own habits. Ideally, eating healthy and exercising can become a fun, family activity.

Exercise and Activity

Children who sit in front of a television for long periods of time are more likely to be overweight than children who watch minimal amounts of television. Parents should encourage kids to turn off the TV and play more actively. Kids should learn that exercise can be fun and it doesn't have to be a chore. Organized sports such as Little League and gymnastics classes are a wonderful way to ensure that your children are getting some exercise. Another great way to encourage kids to be more active is with a pedometer. A pedometer is a small gadget that counts the number of steps a person takes in a day. Kids love to keep track of their steps and try to "beat" their parents and siblings. Pedometers cost about $10 and are available at most discount stores.

Diet and Nutrition

The most important way to teach children to eat a healthy diet is to start early. Nutrition experts say that toddlers need to try new foods 10 to 14 times before they decide whether or not they like it. So don't give up if your kids don't like carrots the first time they try them. It's important to offer healthy foods repeatedly. Eating on a schedule is also very important. Most kids need to eat three meals and two snacks each day, roughly at the same time. Kids that "graze" all day often don't eat enough vitamins and minerals in their diets and they aren't hungry when it's time to eat a healthy meal. Keep healthy snacks where your children can get them and unhealthy snacks where they have to ask for them. This will help you monitor what they are eating between meals. Teach children that cookies and ice cream are treats, not foods they should eat every day. Most importantly, teach them that all foods should be eaten in moderation.

Summary

Child obesity is a growing problem. Children who are inactive and eat unhealthy diets often turn into adults with weight related health problems. Encourage your children to be more active, even in small ways. Take a family walk after dinner. Use the stairs instead of the elevator. Be a good example with your own healthy habits. You'll be glad you did - for your own sake, as well as theirs.