Childhood Obesity to Teen Obesity: How to Reverse Bad Habits

Many children growing up in today's world are suffering from childhood obesity and the suffering continues through the teenage years until adulthood.

There are ways to reverse the bad habits of obesity in children through food management and an exercise regime but before looking at the ways to reverse the bad habits that lead to teen obesity, it is imperative to look at some of the causes that started the whole obesity issue in the first place.

Causes of Childhood Obesity

1. Children are playing video games, watch TV and are on the computer more than ever. Electronic type items are a big part of many kid's lives and the use of electronic items limits a child's time outside for physical activity. Kids are just not exercising enough.

2. So many kids I work with at school do eat out for dinner every evening, parents have less time to cook due to their demanding schedules. Many of the meals that are eaten out have higher calories, and it is more difficult to know calorie intake when food is prepared out of the home.

3. I have noticed when I eat out, food portions at restaurants are large, our society is becoming more accustomed to larger portions even for kid's meals. It is difficult to know the proper portion intake for each individual when we are used to receiving extra large portions in restaurants.

4. School budgets are getting drastically cut and all areas of education are being affected. Unfortunately areas such as PE are being cut or limited to a shorter amount of time. PE may actually be the only time in the day when a child does any type of physical activity.

Knowing the causes of childhood obesity is necessary so that the bad habits can be reversed. Teens can make changes in their diet and exercise plan with the help of their family so that teenage obesity can be eliminated, it is never too late.

Reverse the Bad Habits of Teen Obesity

1. Do not eat in front of the TV or while on the computer and try putting a time limit on each member of the family's time spent watching TV, using the computer and playing video games. It may be challenging at first to implement a time limit but kids do well with rules and guidelines, even teens benefit from some time limits imposed on them. Make sure that everyone in the family is following the implemented time limits, adults can lead by example and many teens need that leadership to follow.

2. It is difficult to eat at home for many busy families but starting small and trying to eat at home one or two nights a week and then if possible gradually moving up to more days can really make a difference in calorie intake. Always make sure breakfast is a priority and a quick bowl of oatmeal or cereal at home can really help with hunger and late morning binging that often happens when breakfast is not eaten.

3. If eating out where large portions of food are served, try splitting the meal in half right away and save the other half for lunch or dinner the next day or two people in the family can split one meal. Another option is to order an appetizer for a meal, many times appetizers are the perfect size for a meal.

4. Physical activity is very limited during the day when teens are at school so it is important for the child to get some activity when they are home. Again, getting the family involved is very important and an option may be for the family to sign up for some type of 5K race together and then train together, running a race is a great way to work towards a goal. If your child is interested in any type of sports activity, it may be an option to sign he/she up for some type of sports team after school through the park district or something along that route.

Being involved with your child will really help to figure out exactly what your child's lifestyle look likes and how you can lead your child to healthy eating habits and exercise habits which in turn can eliminate childhood obesity.