Childhood Obesity: Its Causes and How to Avoid It

Childhood obesity has become a rising problem around the world. In the United States one out of every 5 children is overweight, and that number is increasing over time. Obese children are at a higher risk of certain diseases than a child of a healthy weight. These include High cholesterol and blood pressure, Early heart disease, diabetes, bone problems (due to the weight the bones have to support) and skin conditions such as acne which can be embarrassing and uncomfortable for the child as well as sores from the skin rubbing together and skin and fungal infections.

There are many reasons that a child could be overweight, some of which can be avoided or easily remedied. One is that it can be genetic (meaning it runs in the family). Lack of exercise is also a factor and also an unhealthy diet. Sometimes there is a mixture of these factors or it could be just one.

A lot of modern technologies in the home are inviting to young children such as computer games. Although playing computer games in itself is not a problem, the time spent on them should be limited and children should be encouraged to play games that involve exercise such as football, skipping and bike riding.

Although fast food restaurants are ok as an occasional treat, the visits there should be limited to maybe once a month, or special occasions. As a reward for good behaviour you could swap taking a child to their favourite fast food place for ice skating, roller blading, a laser quest, paintballing or any other venue that means they are using their bodies rather than sitting down throughout the visit or eating. A cheaper option could be a family day out at the park, as children, especially young ones like to copy what their parents do. Ready made meals are full of additives and fats so you could let the children join in and help you to make a healthy pizza, or if you have a garden encourage your children to grow their own fruit and vegetables. They will be really pleased that they have contributed and more likely to eat healthy foods if they have grown them themselves.

Some children who are overweight are not only subject to health problems during childhood and in later life. They are also subject to bullying and low self-esteem. Taking your child along to a Karate class, joining a football team or dance class, could help this. This way they can make friends outside school as well as keeping fit and learning important social life skills. As they earn medals, certificates or score goals they will become increasingly confident over time and be keeping fit while having fun.

Most importantly if your child is overweight, even if no one else in the family is, it is good to lead by example. If you join in activities and make days out a family thing it will be much more enjoyable for your child. Try and keep food treats to a minimum and find other ways to reward your child and make snacks in-between meals as healthy as possible. You could put all the money you save from not eating out into a jar and treat your child/children to a day out at a theme park or something else your whole family will enjoy.