Childhood Obesity – A Serious Family Concern

Childhood obesity is becoming a major concern for many parents all over the world. Obesity is increasing amongst children in an alarming rate all over the world, especially in America.

The extra pounds that a child gains above his or her normal weight according to their age or height, often creates serious health problems which are mostly confined to adults like diabetes, high cholesterol or high blood pressure. Childhood obesity can lead a child to many psychological complications like depression and poor self-esteem.

Lifestyle changes like improving diet and exercise habit of the entire family can prevent your child from becoming obese. Incorporating these lifestyle changes will help to protect the health of your child life long.

Causes and Cure

If your child is putting on too much weight, then you must consult your physician.  Doctor can determine whether the problem is hormonal disorder or genetic or over eating by your child.

Most often eating too much and remaining inactive is the major cause of obesity among children. Here we will discuss the major factors that are responsible for a child becoming overweight.

•    Unhealthy eating habits like eating high calorie foods, processed food, fast foods, soft drinks and candies that are high in calories, sugar and fat causes the your child to gain weight. Many parents due to their busy work schedule let their child eat vending machine snacks, burgers, chips etc. which are high in fat and calories.

•    Watching television, playing video games or computer games are the main interests of today’s children.  They hardly go out and play. Lack of physical activity among children is another contributing factor towards obesity. Parents, however busy may be, should develop a habit of exercising at least for half an hour or 15 minutes along with their children. Parents should also plan some physical activities on holidays to encourage their children to remain active.

•    Some children when not given proper care or attention by their parents due to lack of time or busy schedule feel lonely. To cope with this loneliness, boredom, stress and emotions, they start over eating. Children need lot of love and care. Parents need to understand their emotions and give time and love to them.

•    Children usually follow their parents. If parents eat healthy balanced food like lot of fruits, vegetables, nuts, milk products etc in their diet, children will automatically develop a liking for them. On the contrary, if parents buy a lot of convenience food like chips, cookies, and ready to eat foods in their grocery items, children will develop a liking for them and avoid healthy food.

So it is the prime duty of every parent to focus on healthy eating pattern and physical activity of their children to develop them as a healthy child.