Is Your Child Obese?
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Obesity in children is increasingly rising throughout the world. The incidence of child obesity is more prevalent in industrialized countries where people consume more junk food which are high in calories and low in nutritional value and living a sedentary lifestyle. According to DailyMail.co.uk, kids as young as 3 years old are fast becoming couch potatoes. The inactivity affects their physical development and as a result, increases the risk of obesity-related illnesses such as diabetes, high-blood pressure and high cholesterol. Improving the diet and increasing the level of exercise in the family is one of the best strategies in overcoming obesity.
Obesity can be attributed to genetics, psychological factors, inactivity and improper diet. However, most of the cases stem from eating too much and exercising too little. Hence, if we eat more than we are supposed to with little or no exercise to expend calories, then we are more predisposed to weight gain.
As parents, we are responsible for our family’s diet. We decide which food to buy, how it’s going to be cooked and where it’s to be eaten. We should set an example to our children that we are committed to eating healthy and maintaining an active lifestyle.
With regard to diet, parents should make it a point to incorporate more fruits and vegetables in their meals, limit beverages that are high in sugar content, and limit fast-food trips as these foods are teeming with fat and calories. We should all discourage eating in front of the television as well.
Moving on to physical activity, introduce fun activities to your children like free-playing, running around in the park or any activity that would involve the whole family together. Make variations to your family activities so the kids won’t get bored doing the same thing over and over. It is also important to set rules on the number of hours spent on watching television and playing video or computer games.
In sum, the battle with obesity is a family commitment. The children cannot do it on their own without our full support and encouragement. We should lead a healthy lifestyle and set a good example to our children.
MrsH says...
This is ideal. But did you know that children coming from poorer families are more likely to be obese than those coming from middle or upper-income families? It’s because poorer families cannot afford good, healthy fresh food. They are also more likely to be uneducated about healthy diet. Unfortunate but true.