The childhood obesity epidemic is a reality in our society, as we can see and hear all around us. Obese children usually suffer from
serious health issues like diabetes, hyperlipidemia, heart disease, bone abnormalities, sleep apnea, gastro-intestinal diseases and psychological
problems. These problems usually increase as they grow older, as studies have shown that obese children usually become obese adults.
Parents can and should influence their children to live a healthier lifestyle in order to loose the excess weight and to maintain a healthy
body and not become a victim of the childhood obesity epidemic.
How Parents Can Halt The Problem Of Childhood Obesity
Parents should make an effort to make the child feel accepted, loved and a part of the family. Children who do not get a lot of attention from
their parents, are more prone to becoming overweight. Parents should not be criticise the childs eating habits or nag the child during mealtimes.
This may interfere with the child’s natural feelings of hunger and satiety.
Parents should not make an issue of the child’s weight, as this could lead to abnormal eating behaviours. Rather try to establish good eating
habits and encourage the child to participate in some form of exercise if you want to tackle childhood obesity.
Parents should limit the time the child spends in front of the TV and computer if the child obesity epidemic is to be stemmed. Time spent in
front of the TV or computer limits the time spent outdoors in physical activity, and this causes overweight, as the metabolism is not stimulated
to burn off excess calories. Unhealthy sugary foods high in fat are also advertised on the TV, causing cravings for these foods and beverages,
increasing the epidemic in childhood obesity.
At the first signs of overweight or obesity in a child, a pediatrician should be consulted, in order to combat and prevent the condition known
as childhood obesity.
Pregnant mothers should follow a healthy eating plan, as overeating during pregnancy puts a child at risk of becoming obese. Breastfeeding is
recommended for at least the first year of the infant’s life, if possible. After that emphasis should be placed on a healthy diet of fresh fruit,
vegetables, whole grains and lean proteins, and sugary food high in fat should be avoided. A child has an innate sense of hunger and fullness,
but this often becomes distorted when sugary foods are introduced into the diet.
Firm rules should be set in the house regarding time spent in front of the TV and computer, as well as choices of snacks, occasional treats
and healthy food habits in general.
The child obesity epidemic has been on the increase since the 1980’s at an alarming rate. It poses a serious threat to our future generations
, and it should be addressed worldwide. A happy childhood is almost impossible where morbid obesity sets in at an early age.