Why is childhood obesity considered a Health Problem?

As a parent are you bothered about your child's weight, eating habit or lifestyle?
Obesity in children and youth could lead to depression and social discrimination. Why put your children through the hurt of having to stand been bullied by their peers...? This could lead to low esteem and also hinder their academics if not tackled immediately. Studies have shown that obese children are more likely to turn out to be obese adults. If left uncontrolled, the child is at risk of a cardiovascular disease, diabetes, hepatitis or sleep apnea. How embarrassing it could be to have a kid who snores like an adult while catching a nap... 

You can do something! You can correct the wrongs and promote a healthy lifestyle for your kid. 

To help your child maintain a healthy weight, balance the calories your child consumes from foods and beverages with the calories your child uses through physical activities and normal growth.
Remember that the goal for overweight and obese kids or teens is to reduce the rate of weight gain while allowing normal growth and development.
Children and teens should NOT be placed on a weight loss program without the consultation of a health care provider.

Balancing Calories: Help kids develop healthy eating habits
One part of balancing calories is to eat foods that provide adequate nutrition and an appropriate number of calories. You can help children learn to be aware of what they eat by developing healthy eating habits, looking for ways to make favorite dishes healthier and reducing calorie- rich temptations e.g using a healthier salad dressing.

Encourage Healthy eating Habits:
To help your children and family develop healthy eating habits:

• Provide plenty vegetables, fruits and whole grain products
• Include low-fat or non-fat milk or dairy product 
• Choose lean meats, lentils, poultry, fish and beans for protein
• Serve reasonably- sized portions
• Encourage your family to drink lots of water
• Limit sugar- sweetened beverages
• Limit consumption of sugar and saturated fat

Remember that small changes everyday can lead to a recipe of success.

Look for ways to make favorite dishes healthier:

The recipes that you may prepare regularly, and that your family enjoys, with just a few changes can be healthier and just as satisfying.

Take for example...Adding some fish and boneless chicken to the cooked beans, substituting the frequent fried plantains with boiled mashed potatoes mixed with red oil and chopped carrots..... Make the dishes appealing, they simply can't resist.

Remove Calorie- rich temptations:

Although everything can be enjoyed in moderation, reducing calorie-rich temptations of high-fat, high-sugar or salty snack can also help your children develop healthy eating habit. Make them a treat to be indulged in once in a while, so as after an impressive chore, a good grade at school etc

Help Kids stay active:

Children and teens should engage in at least 60 mins of moderate intensity physical activity most days of the week, preferably daily. Remember that children imitate adults so start adding physical activities to your own daily routine and encourage your child to join you.

Other examples of moderate intensity physical activity includes:

• Brisk walking
• Skipping
• Jumping rope
• Playing Soccer
• Swimming
• Dancing

Reduce Sedentary times:

Reduce computer games, T.V viewing times and web surfing and allow time for active sports. Don't restrict the child's social life so he/she does not find solace in snacking.

Kids are our Pride as Parents....Build a better future for them by helping them maintain a healthy lifestyle. They will be thankful! *winks*

Living Healthy.....