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Childhood Obesity
What Can
Parents Do?
According to the American Obesity Association,
adults aren’t the only ones who are
expanding around the middle. Today’s youth
are considered the most inactive generation
ever. This is due partly to the decreased
availability of physical education classes
and after-school programs, unavailable or
unsafe play areas, and the increased
production of video games, computers, and
televisions. However, a large part is
simply that Americans, young and old, are
eating worse and exercising less.
Children have always been known to have a sweet
tooth, but today those cravings are fueled by crafty food advertisements, peer
pressure, and hectic schedules. Over 30% of American children are overweight
and 15% are obese. These numbers are identical for adolescents. The prevalence
of obesity in children and teens has quadrupled in 25 years.
Shocked? The effects of excess weight are causing more and more health problems
that can plague a child well into the adult years.
These are the most common health issues that
develop in children who are overweight:
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Children are twice as likely to become obese by the time they
reach adulthood.
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Children are more likely to develop severe asthma.
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Children are at a significantly increased risk of developing Type
II diabetes. The number of Type II diabetic children has skyrocketed from
2-4% in 1992 to over 18%.
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Children are significantly more susceptible to hypertension and
heart-related complications.
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Increased weight and stress on the still-developing bones of
children leads to limited movement.
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Social stigmas (such as being subject to teasing, laziness,
hostility, and social withdrawal) are more likely to occur.
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Children are more susceptible to sleep apnea, a condition where
breathing temporarily ceases during the night.
If you think your child might be overweight or
may be at a risk of becoming overweight (eg. they eat too much processed food,
watch too much TV, or rarely exercise), speak with your pediatrician
immediately. It is imperative that action be taken immediately if the
child is already overweight. Check your local schools and community centers for
extracurricular activities your child might enjoy. Here a few suggestions for
helping your child be more healthy:
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Don’t make your child eat when she/he is not hungry – it’s okay
not to finish every meal or drink!
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Never offer food as a source of comfort or as a reward.
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Don’t offer dessert as a reward for finishing a meal – this
teaches your child to value sweets over other foods.
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Continue to offer a food even when the child claims not to like
it – research has shown that parents may have to offer a food up to 15 times
before a child will taste it!
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Avoid fast food as often as possible – no more than once a week.
Prepare nutritious snacks ahead of time (such as bags of carrots, apples, and
graham crackers) so you can grab one on the go.
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Limit T.V. and video games. Encourage your child to go outside.
If this is not a feasible situation, try to occupy their time with educational
activities (reading or math computer games, educational programs) that will
limit their exposure to many of the fad cartoons and commercials that promote
unhealthy foods.
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Spend time with your child outside. Play games and take family
walks whenever you can.
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Eat healthy yourself. Children observe our actions much more
than we think they do, and they are more likely to imitate your actions when
they see that healthy food is good for you, too.
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Whenever possible eat as a family at the dinner table instead of
on the go or in front of the TV. This is particularly crucial for children
who are attempting to lose weight.
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Remember: A child’s family support system is very influential.
Make sure all members of the family are supportive of each other!
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