Child Obesity on the Rise

An estimated 15 percent of children in the United States are over weight or obese. Parents of over weight or obese children need to recognize the risk factors, which is important to help their children control their weight and get early treatment.

In a recent study done on one hundred children who were over weight, between the ages of six and fourteen, were compared to forty-seven children of normal weight. The obese children had higher insulin resistance, higher blood pressure, and cholesterol. Obese children had an average blood pressure of 120/76, while normal weight children had an average of 98/65. Ultrasound scans showed obese children had thicker and stiffer carotid arteries. The carotid arteries carry blood to the head. Obesity acts quickly to damage the arteries of children. These children also have a higher risk of getting diabetes.

Obese children have a higher risk of heart attack, stroke, and bowel cancer. Over weight children can also cause psychological distress. When these children are teased about their weight it affects their confidence and self-esteem, which can lead to isolation and depression. Most children put on excess weight because their lifestyles include an unhealthy diet and a lack of physical activity. In most cases, experts recommend that over weight or obese children should not be encouraged to actually lose weight. They should be encouraged to maintain their weight so they gradually grow into it as they get taller.

According to a survey four out of ten boys and six out of ten girls do not do the minimum one hour a day of physical activity recommended by the health education authority. Obese children should never be put on a weight loss diet without medical advice as this can affect their growth. Unregulated dieting mostly in teenage girls is thought to lead to the development of eating disorders.

If you are worried that your child is heading down the path to obesity, then here are some things you can do to encourage a healthy lifestyle. One thing a parent can do is avoid high-fat foods like biscuits, cakes, and chocolate. Instead provide healthier alternatives like fresh fruits, crusty bread, or crackers. A second choice that parents can do is grill or bake foods instead of frying them. Last, avoid fizzy drinks that are high in sugar. Substitute them with fresh juices diluted in water or sugar free drink alternatives.

In order to achieve this affect, the whole family's attitudes and habits will need to change. Parents need to set a good example with their own eating habits. Provide meals and snacks at regular times. This will prevent snacking throughout the day. Be sure to make mealtime a family affair by eating together. Make sure that there are not a lot of high-fat or high-sugar foods in the home. Do not make fast food outings part of your weekly routine. Also, parents need to encourage physical activities. Following these tips will have your child following down the path to healthiness.