Research indicates that childhood obesity has quadrupled in the last 40 years and is a major epidemic in the U.S. Seventeen percent of children between the ages of 6 and 11 and 17.6 percent of adolescents between the ages of 12 and 19 are diagnosed as obese. In addition, nearly one in five American preschoolers is obese. Obesity is commonly seen as a consequence of unhealthy eating and a lack of physical activity; however, being well above normal weight is often multifactorial, based on genetic, behavioral, and environmental factors.
Childhood obesity increases the risk of developing health problems including: Type 2 (adult-onset) diabetes, high blood pressure, stroke, heart attack, heart failure, cancer, gallstones, gout and gouty arthritis, osteoarthritis, fatty liver disease, and sleep apnea. Childhood obesity can also increase social consequences, including social stigmatization (e.g. severe disapproval, prejudice, rejection, and discrimination), low self-esteem, negative body image, and depression. Even if your child appears unaffected now, a history of childhood obesity can contribute to physical and psychological health problems in adulthood. Moreover, an obese child is more likely than a normal weight child to become an obese adult.
Typically, individuals are identified as obese if they are more than 20 percent over their recommended weight, which is calculated with build, sex, age, and height in mind. The National Institute of Health (NIH) specifically identifies obesity as a BMI (body mass index) of 30 or greater. A BMI of 30 illustrates that you are approximately 30 pounds overweight. The BMI is calculated using your weight in kilograms divided by your height in meters squared. However, it is important to keep in mind that BMI is a good gauge; not a direct measurement of body fat. Below are a few ways you can help your child avoid or overcome childhood obesity:
- Reduce sedentary actives like watching TV and playing on the computer.
- Make exercise a fun family activity.
- Foster healthy eating habits:
- Avoid snacks.
- Avoid using sweets as rewards.
- Avoid putting your child on a diet or severely restricting foods; this can lead to an eating disorder.
- Aim for a balanced diet.
- Incorporate nutritious foods into meals.
- Include children in meal preparation; it is less likely that a child will refuse food they helped prepare.
- Introduce new foods patiently and repetitively; studies show that infants are genetically predisposed to like sweet and salty flavors and dislike sour, bitter and new flavors.
- Enjoy a healthy lifestyle. Children are influenced by your attitudes and behaviors toward food, exercise and body image. You can increase the odds of getting your child to enjoy a healthy lifestyle by enjoying one yourself.
- Talk to your adolescent about how their body changes during puberty.
- Encourage friendships with other children who are less worried about appearance.
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If you are concerned that your child may be obese, make an appointment with your doctor to monitor nutrition and activity habits and screen for medical conditions linked to obesity. A psychologist can help you find ways to stick to your management plan.
Federal studies show that obesity-related health problems once considered unique to adults are now a risk to adolescents. These conditions include high cholesterol and blood pressure, heart disease, diabetes, and arthritis. Health officials fear that today’s youth may grow to develop more cardiovascular disease than even their parents. Go here to read this article in full.
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