Today, I’m sharing parenting advice on preventing childhood obesity. As parents, we want to do everything we can to protect our kids. We teach them to be careful around strangers. And, to wear helmets and kneepads whenever they ride their bikes. Furthermore, we monitor their time online and steer them away from offensive content. However, for all the threats we look for, there may be one hiding in plain sight.
Unfortunately, millions of children across the country are affected by childhood obesity. Your children may not been affected now, but they are not immune. The ages most affected are between 6 and 19. If you think there are bigger things to worry about, you may not fully understand childhood obesity.
Check out these tips on preventing childhood obesity:
What Causes Childhood Obesity?
The most obvious factors relating to a child’s weight are diet and exercise. But, there are others you may not realize. These causes may be more subtle. Unfortunately, they can have just as profound an impact on a young person’s health as what he or she eats.
For example, childhood obesity studies have found that family meals are important. When families eat together, children reduce the risk of developing obesity. This may be because family mealtimes are an opportunity for parents to model healthier eating habits. Parents can also control portion sizes. When kids eat on their own, they are less likely to be mindful of how much they’re consuming.
Neighborhood design is another contributor that does not receive enough attention. Because of the density of many subdivisions and rental properties, often there is not enough space for parks. Building communities around cars can also cause a lack of sidewalks or bike paths.
What Are the Consequences?
Beside weight, obesity can have serious effects on young bodies. These can include high blood pressure and cholesterol levels. Both can lead to heart disease.
Children who suffer from obesity often report higher-than-average breathing difficulties. This includes sleep apnea and asthma. Overweight kids may also experience joint pain, heartburn and gallstones. Additionally, obesity has a strong correlation with Type 2 diabetes.
Also, it has been found that childhood obesity can have severe psychological repercussions. Overweight children have a higher chance of experiencing bullying and ostracization. This can lead to significant issues such as depression, anxiety and low self-esteem.
How Can You Prevent It?
There are a number of steps you can take to help your children make healthier lifestyle choices. First, focus on overall health. Our weight tends to fluctuate from day to day, and kids can become easily frustrated if it appears their efforts to avoid obesity aren’t working.
Make nutritious meals at home with fresh ingredients. This requires the elimination of processed foods. Most importantly, this will help control calorie and fat intake. Limiting screen time is another helpful strategy. This prevents kids from spending too much time on the couch or at the computer desk. Be supportive and reward your children for making healthy decisions.
Obesity is one of the dangerous threats to our children’s health. For more tips in preventing your kids from gaining too much weight, see the infographic.
Author bio: Kids Car Donations is a national organization that accepts vehicle donations to better the lives of children. The organization partners with a number of well-known nonprofits serving children and teens who are confronted with physical, mental and emotional challenges to provide the care they need.
