Childhood obesity is on the rise in the United States and globally. The Centers of Disease Control reports that childhood obesity has virtually tripled in the past 30 years. The definition of overweight is an excess of body weight whereas obesity is an excess body fat. A sedentary lifestyle, physical inactivity and poor diet are all linked with children being overweight and obese. These children are at a higher risk of developing bone and joint issues, high blood pressure, diabetes and high cholesterol.
Exercise Is Fun Time
Physical inactivity is one of the most substantial reasons contributing to childhood obesity. Physical activity is essential to the health and well-being of children. According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services “regular physical activity in children and adolescents promotes a healthy body weight and body composition.” At least 60 minutes of moderate cardiovascular physical activity a day is needed for children to remain physically fit.
Activities such as running, jumping, dancing, skipping, jumping rope, bike riding, playing sports and swimming are excellent cardiovascular exercises that your child can perform to remain active. Make these activities fun and exciting for your child. This will not only help your child become more physically active, but it also fosters a stronger relationship with your child.
Clean Up the Diet
We have all heard it said to lose weight you need to decrease your caloric intake. Children typically do not need to diet to lose weight. Since children are still developing, they require an assortment of healthy, nutrient dense foods to ensure that their bodies grow appropriately. Overweight children can advance their health just by consuming healthy foods and becoming more physically active.
To ensure that your child receives the proper nutrition, follow a few guidelines. First, ensure your child eats a healthy breakfast each day. Offer more fruits and vegetables at all meals. Allow your child to consume less soft drinks, snack foods and fast foods. Finally, do not use food as a reward.
Turn Off the Electronic Devices
Children spend nearly eight hours a day using electronic devices, such as televisions, computers, video games and cellular telephones. In fact, one of the central influences of childhood obesity comes from the amount of television a child watches, because it promotes a sedentary lifestyle and decreases the amount of time they are physically active. Electronic device usage should be limited to only 1 to 2 hours per day or fewer. It is necessary to encourage your child to participate in physically challenging activities when the electronic devices are turned off.
Considerations
One of the most positive and productive methods in decreasing childhood obesity is to improve the diet and physical activity behaviors of your whole family. Remember to speak to your child’s healthcare provider before you start your child on any diet or exercise regimen.
