Childhood Obesity is on the Rise

More than ever, childhood obesity is on rise, and now extreme cases are even making appearances in the media. Over 15 percent of children aged 6 to 17 (some studies include adolescents up to age 19) in the United States are obese, and that number is bound to rise unless dramatic action is taken immediately. Thankfully, the good news is that most causes of this dreadful health issue are modifiable.

According to the American Obesity Association, the top preventable causes of childhood obesity include lack of physical activity, poor eating habits, improper environment (items or exposure to people promoting sedentary behaviors or unhealthy diet), as well as socioeconomic pressures. The only unpreventable cause of childhood obesity is genetics, and their risk of developing obesity through genetics is exponentially higher if the parents are either obese or even just overweight.

If left untreated, obesity can lead to several health risks including diabetes, skin problems, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol. Ultimately, childhood obesity can lead to cardiac issues, joint deterioration, and even death.

Prevention and treatment must start in the home, with loving support from the family. It is the parent's or caregiver's responsibility to remove items such as nutritionally void foods, to limit media time, and to provide a positive example within the family of a properly led healthy lifestyle.

Ideas to increase your child's physical activity:

1. Enroll your child in an after school sport, competitive or not.

2. Take time to walk your child to school if you live close enough.

3. If your child must play video games, allow only games with physical interaction (such as DDR, or Wii games).

4. Go on family hikes on the weekends.

5. Assign your child active chores (vacuuming, raking leaves, even washing the windows if they are tall enough!).

Ways to encourage healthy eating habits:

1. Keep on hand healthy snack options such as veggies and (low fat) dip, home baked pita chips (yes, you can bake your own), fruit, and nuts.
2. Introduce your child to new foods (if they stick up their nose at it, keep trying as eventually they will try it) weekly.
3. We all need the occasional sugar crash or chocolate therapy moment, but keep these items out of sight and reach (Out of your reach too! The more you have to work to get it, the less you may find it is worth it.) from your children.
4. Speak with a nutritionist. There may be a nutritionist available at your child's school, or your family doctor can refer you to someone specializing in children's nutrition.
5. Do not expect your school to feed your child healthy options. Know what your child is eating, or pack their lunch yourself. Look for healthy items that are attractive, to discourage food trading at lunchtime.

It is important to remember that no child is doing this to themselves voluntarily (would you?). There may be deep seated emotional or physical issues that only a doctor can diagnose or provide treatment for. It is up to parents and caregivers to make a positive influence upon our children, and to give them the best chance possible at a healthy adult life.