Tips for Avoiding Childhood Obesity

According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), childhood obesity rates for children ages 6 to 11 almost tripled between 1980 and 2006. For adolescents this number increased in 2006 to more than three times the amount it was in 1980. These numbers are, indeed, alarming, but parents still have a comfort zone. Childhood obesity is a preventable condition. There are various things parents can do to help avoid obesity in their children.

Start Healthy

Healthy diet practices should begin from the moment an infant starts eating solids. Childhood obesity can start as early as infancy. Feeding your baby the proper diet recommended by your pediatrician can help prevent childhood obesity. Juices and fruit drinks are not necessary at this age. Neither are sugary treats. Offer fruits and vegetables and other healthy items as snacks. If a child is only introduced to healthy foods, he or she will be more likely to want them.

Drink Mostly Water

It is not necessary for a child to have fruit-flavored drinks and sodas. Water is the most nutritious option for satisfying thirst. It has many of the nutrients needed for proper hydration. Sodas contain large amounts of sugar and other ingredients that cause weight gain.

Stay Active

Daily physical activity is important in avoiding childhood obesity. Kids need to be active to grow and develop properly. Some suggested activities include bike-riding, swimming, skating, team sports, hopscotch, jump-roping and daily walks. There are many physical activities that help avoid childhood obesity. The main thing to remember is that some sort of physical activity should be practiced every day. Consult with your child's pediatrician before starting or stopping any physical regimen.

Avoid Sugary Snacks

Allowing a child to eat sugary snacks on a regular basis can add to the childhood obesity phenomenon. Sugary snacks should only be given in moderation. An occasional sugary treat will likely not cause weight gain, but it is important not to make it a habit.

It's All Right to Say "No"

Don't feel down on yourself when you have to tell a child "no" to his favorite snack. It is all right to refuse access to an unhealthy snack. Sometimes, in order to be a positive role model, a parent has to be firm.

Be Consistent

This goes along with saying "no." Stick to any plans you have created in regards to food and diet. Follow through with all health plans and restrictions you have set in place. If you give in, this is the behavior your child will model. Consistency can play a key role in avoiding childhood obesity.

Focus on the Positives

If you notice that your child is not following the diet plan as well as you'd like, don't focus on that. Instead, focus on the things that the child is doing correctly. This can create a behavior model, as well as motivation for the child. A child who receives praise often may be more likely to perform other tasks in search of more praise. Praise can work wonders as a motivation technique.

Sources:

Centers for Disease Control (CDC)

http://www.cdc.gov/healthyyouth/obesity/