Childhood Health Problems: Obesity
There are many childhood health problems. Though most relevant to this text would be the problem of being overweight or the problem of obesity, a problem that is being faced by over 30% of children in the United States alone. Obesity has risen rapidly as a problem among children in the last few years. The busy schedules of many families have led to a decrease in family meals where all members sit together. This could be one of the causes behind being overweight or being obese. When all members of the family sit together, they are able to see each other and interact as a family. This helps in curbing obesity because parents can see what and how their children eat. Being able to monitor your child's food is one way to prevent obesity. Busy family life also has led to a lack of nutritious foods. Fast foods or take-out is easier and simpler for many families, but it has led to obesity and other health problems. A lifestyle that is void of regular exercise or physical activity, or a life that is led in front of a television or computer has also contributed to the obesity problem. Obesity is a serious condition because it can lead to diabetes, heart problems like high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and heart failure, bone problems, sleep problems like sleep apnea, and in girls it can affect their reproductive systems. Obese children are more likely to develop eating disorders or unhealthy eating habits. They are also more easily depressed, and as a result are at a higher risk for substance abuse. If you feel your child is heavier than what should be his or her normal weight, you can try to calculate for you child's BMI or body mass index. This is your child's weight in pounds divided by his or her height in inches squared and then multiplied by 703. For an easier time, you can look at any of the BMI calculators online. Children will fall into several categories: underweight, normal, overweight, and obese. While it is generally a good indicator of your child's state, it is not the best measure. Take your child to a pediatrician if you feel there is a serious problem. To prevent childhood obesity, or if you feel like your child is becoming overweight or obese, study your child's eating patterns and habits. Where and when they eat can be one of the causes for their being overweight. Enforce rules of where children can eat. For example, the dining room, outside patio, or kitchen only. Allowing your children to eat in their rooms or in the living room may promote their eating in front of the television, and lead to obesity. Also, don't allow television in their bedrooms till they are at a later age when habits of eating outside have already been formed. Promote healthy eating at all times, and keep healthy food in your home. Encourage your children to exercise, and you can even do this by banning them from watching television for one hour in the afternoons. When your child is full, don't force him or her to finish their food. Encouraging this can lead to overeating and an overeating problem can later on lead to obesity. Be involved with what your children eat both inside and outside your home. Discourage them from drinking sugary drinks like sugary juices or soda. For your teens, teach them about better fast food choices. For example getting a grilled chicken sandwich instead of a cheeseburger. Keep in mind that genetics can be a factor, and if so talk with your doctor about what kind of diet your child should be following. Apart from genetics however, bad habits can be passed down, and this can affect your child's weight too. A mother and father who tend to overeat are likely to have a child who overeats without their realizing it. Obesity is a problem with many causes, but one solution: eating healthy in good portions and getting enough exercise. It is important to address the problem as soon as you see the first signs of it because obesity leads to so many other medical problems and complications that no parent will want for their child. Next Article: Kids Food Pyramid - Child Nutrition Guide (Ages 2-6) |
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How To Get Your Kids To Eat Healthy Food - Without A Fight!
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