Tackling and Preventing Childhood Obesity

Prevent obesity as early as possible

Obesity is a serious health issue in the modern world, but of more pressing concern is the rise of childhood obesity. It’s enough of a problem that even the White House has devoted time and resources to finding solutions. Obesity can lead to severe health complications later in life, like diabetes and heart disease, so of course parents want to find a way to stop it at the root.

Here are some ways that you can reduce the risk of obesity in your family.

Less Screen Time: No child under the age of 2 should be sitting in front of a TV or computer screen for a long period of time. This kind of behavior will be harder to correct as they get older. And when it comes to older kids, they should ideally be spending only 30 minutes in front of a screen at a time. Encourage your child to take regular breaks from the computer.

More Physical Activity: Like adults who want to stay healthy, kids should have about one to two hours a day working on their physical fitness. Most kids are usually enrolled into an after-school sports program like soccer or softball, but there are other alternatives like going out for more walks (instead of driving) or learning how to ride a bike.

Eating in Moderation: There’s nothing wrong with the occasional bag of chips or can of soda, but it shouldn’t be a daily ritual. If you want to give your child sweets, then balance it out with a healthy snack or a bottle of water. Save candy and cakes for a special occasion like a birthday party or a holiday.

Prepare Healthier Meals and Snacks: Most of what you need to cut out of your diet is any food or drink that’s high in fats, starch, and sugar. Focus on foods with more fiber like fruits and vegetables. Buy dairy products that are lower in fat and sugar. Cook with meat that’s leaner, like chicken, turkey, or fish. Choose whole-grain bread for sandwiches and low-sugar cereals for breakfast.

Involve the Whole Family: It’s one thing to single out your child about the way they eat or the exercise they aren’t getting, but it makes a huge difference when the rest of the family is on the same page. Plan out better meals that the whole family will enjoy. Make it a habit to go out for a walk after dinner. Not only will your child lead a healthier life, but your family will become closer as a result.

Image: USDAgov