subject: Childhood obesity [print this page] Childhood obesity can be easily prevented by a fair and balanced nutrition. Healthy meals and some outdoor activities can be all needed. In this article we discuss some facts about causes and solutions for the worrying parent.
When you have cause for alarm
Childhood obesity and extra pounds to the children are excess fat. A plump baby is no sign for alarm. Instead, he needs that reserve for later. But weight gain curve of monthly medical records must remain on the same level, without large variations.
When the schedule is exceeded by more than two or three standard graphics is time to take precautions to prevent the extra weigh gain by your child.
Reasons of childhood obesity
Less than 1% of overweight or obese children has a genetic, metabolic or endocrine cause.
The main reasons for extra pounds are:
- Food reason: child has an unbalanced feeding regime, always chewing something, often imitating parent's unhealthy eating habits.
- Lack of physical activity: This is a major cause of obesity in children: often, a overweight or obese child prefers TV, computer and game consoles at the expense of physical movement outdoors.
- Unfortunately, another reason of obesity in children is caused and maintained by parents who believe that a child must be "fat, beautiful and healthy". The parents who think like this, allow their children to consume significant amounts of sweets.
Hazards of childhood obesity
An overweight kid will never be an adult with a normal weight. Obesity is an immediate risk, but especially in his adult life, can cause diseases such as: diabetes, respiratory diseases, hypertension, but also serious psychological problems related to physical appearance. This kids are often the target of ridicule and child peers and finally rejection by other children in their age.
How to prevent childhood obesity
When the weight of a child is increasing abnormally, measures should be taken, to stop taking even more extra pounds and return to a normal weight. The child should never be in strict diet, no matter how big the problem is.
This is easier than it seems at first sight, because educating a child in terms of food is much easier than an adult.
Easy rules to follow
Some easy rules, that every parent can follow to prevent childhood obesity.
- A healthy feeding schedule with three meals and one or two snacks a day and always at the same time. It is important that children get used to a feeding schedule.
- Rules for Eating:
Avoiding "bad" foods (fat, salt, sugar).
Avoid crunching between meals
A healthy meal should contain: a main dish, a green vegetable or starch, a dairy product and a fruit.
Desert type with refined sugar must be limited to once a week (for example an ice cream).
Meal must take place in the kitchen or dining room, not in front of computer, TV, bed, sofa etc.
- Promote outdoor activities:
Limiting the TV time and computer games in everyday life of the child.
Stimulate and encourage the child to practice a sport regularly.
Making long walks on foot in the family whenever possible
Childhood obesity
By: DellaNewborn
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