What is Child Obesity

Childhood obesity has become a dramatic problem in not only the United States but also in other developed countries of the world. The childhood problem stems from a condition whereas excess body fat begins to negatively affect the child’s well being and health. Since the presence of childhood obesity has such a vast effect upon a child’s health the problem is considered by many physicians to be of paramount importance and has been designated as a serious childhood health concern.

Sedentary lifestyle and poor eating habits are the most prominent factor causing child obesity. Low physical activity makes child more capable of storing fat. Due to lack of physical activity they burn fewer calories than what they consume. So to accelerate calorie burn, they need to take active part in outdoor games and sports. Diet is another factor that must be taken into consideration. Low fat, low sugar diets have proved to be safer and healthier food for growing children.

Facts of childhood obesity:-

•    Carelessness in food, alarming increase in the number of children and teenagers developing Type-2 Diabetes (also termed as adult-onset diabetes) due to being overweight.

•    High levels of cholesterol and high blood pressure, that are some main risk factors for development of heart diseases are found in most of the obese children.

•    Sleep Apnea is considered as the most severe problem faced by obese children. In the sleep apnea (interruption of breath while sleeping) may lead to other problems like difficulty in learning and memory.

•    Overweight children are on higher risk of developing liver diseases, orthopedic problems and asthma.

•    70% oboist teenagers retain their overweight and obese condition even during their adulthood.

Treatment for Obesity:

1. If you head out to a restaurant with your child, always ask about smaller portion sizes. The portions served in restaurants today are a LOT larger than they were 25 years ago, so keep an eye out for this. I can guarantee that if you don’t, the restaurant will serve your child the regular GIANT serving.

2. Try changing from whole milk to 1 percent milk. It’s a small change I know, but it can have a very positive impact over the long run.

3. Try switching your child off of pop and onto the different flavors of V8 juice. Since kids love to drink juice anyway, you might as well make it something that is great for them.

4. If you’re not using sweet potatoes in your meal plans now, try adding them in. They’re much healthier and they taste great.

5. Remember this - if you are going to feed your child high calorie foods - the best portion size is small. But if you are going to feed them vegetables (which you should), the best portion size is large.

6. Try and cut out the mayo - replace it with mustard or ketchup, as on a small fast-food burger.

7. Remember soup! That old stand by. There are tons of soups available (vegetable is a great one) that you can serve your kids and most of them don’t add on a ton of calories.

Read About Fast Weight Loss also Read about Teaching Children about Obesity and What is Child Obesity