Feb 3, 2013

Childhood Obesity Prevention

Childhood obesity is a growing problem, not only in America but in many other countries across the world. According to statistics, there are about 17% of children and adolescents from the age group of 5 to 19 who are affected by this serious medical abnormality. Obesity can be a result of heredity, overeating, psychological disorders, other medical conditions, etc., but no matter what the cause is, it can lead to many other serious healthy problems in the future. Obese children also find it very difficult to be accepted in the society and thus, they might develop low self-esteem problems and suffer from depression.


However, more than the children trying to get themselves out of this medical condition, the parents or the adults who are responsible should take care of this. Many think, there are no ways to prevent obesity in children, which is hereditary or that results from a medical condition. But any type of obesity can be controlled as it is just a deposition of fats in your body which is not being metabolized or eliminated appropriately. Therefore, we have a few effective ways for preventing this, mentioned below. So take a look!

Prevention of Obesity in Children

We all know the childhood obesity in America is growing by the day. As mentioned above, even though there are innumerable causes and triggers which lead to obesity in children, there are many ways to correct it or prevent it from increasing. The most important part of this prevention is to control a child's diet. The children from the age 5 to 19 are in the prime growth phase where they require all the important nutrients for development in the right amounts.

Thus, if these nutrient sources are not sufficiently provided to them, they might suffer from deficiencies or anemia. But, you have to make sure, they are not over consuming them, as that can lead to less metabolism and more fat deposition in the body. Therefore, as a parent, you have to strike a balance between nutritious eating to supply enough nutrients and adequate exercise to burn excess fat and tighten muscles.
  • Teaching your child healthy eating habits is one of the basic and easiest childhood obesity prevention tips. When your child knows the importance of eating proper amounts of food, drinking enough water and then playing well, you won't have to bother about obesity at all!
  • Taking care of your child's breakfast is the second most important tip for the same. Since, the child is growing up, consuming a healthy and filling breakfast could prevent him/her to eat junk food at odd times. Oatmeal, yogurt, eggs, milk, bacon, pancakes, toasted whole wheat bread, cereal, etc. are some of your choices.
  • Make sure you provide your child with 6 small meals throughout the day instead of 3 main meals. This way they get hungry at odd times and end up eating some filling foods, that may not be healthy. Don't force them to eat too much, but try to provide all the necessary foods when they ask for it.
  • Serve fresh fruit juices in the morning and during the day and keep them away from sodas. Make sure your child drinks enough amounts of water, as they need to be hydrated throughout the day, to help them burn their calories and still have energy production.
  • Childhood obesity prevention, can start by preparing delicious foods such as French fries, potato skins, pizzas, nachos, desserts, etc., at home, to keep them from overeating these foods from outside. Kids get tempted to eat junk very easily, and in order to control this, prepare these meals at home so you won't have to bother about junk cravings!
  • Enroll your children in recreational sports such as tennis, swimming, field sports, dancing, skating, or any other outdoor activity. This will give them a chance to learn something new and will help their body to burn any extra fat they have acquired.
With these tips, hope you have benefited from the information. It is very easy to prevent or control your child's obesity problems, and help them to get a healthier future.

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