What would you do if your doctor or another family member suggested that your child lose weight? Would you put him or her on diet or encourage them to exercise more?
It can be a scary thought for some parents to consider putting their kids on a diet. But the fact is childhood obesity is on the rise, as well as Type 2 Diabetes in children.
According to the Mayo Clinic, “25 million U.S children and adolescents are overweight or nearly overweight.” This is a startling statistic and dieting is a topic many parents will need to address with their own kids.
What is Contributing to Childhood Obesity?
- Family history of obesity
- Lack of exercise (too much TV, video games and computer time)
- Improper diet with too many sweets and fried foods
- Over-reliance on pre-packaged foods
- Too much fast food
- Increasing portion sizes
- Pop and sports drinks
Risks of Childhood Obesity
Along with the rise in obese children is the rise in cases of Type 2 Diabetes. Overweight children are setting themselves up for a lifetime of health problem. Common health problems from childhood obesity are asthma, depression, heart disease, stroke, high cholesterol, and diabetes and metabolism problems. But if you ask kids, they will probably tell you that it is their self-esteem that suffers the most.
Overcoming Childhood Obesity:
Obesity doesn’t have to be a life sentence. Though you can certainly make lifestyle changes to lose weight at any age, it is easier to lose weight when you are younger and can set yourself up for a long, healthy life.
Children Can Lose Weight With
- Family support
- Increased daily exercise
- A modified diet to reduce sweets
- Getting involved in sports or other activities
- Physical education programs in the school
- Drinking only water and reduced-fat milk
Remember to support your child’s weight loss efforts by modeling the behavior yourself. Consider weight maintenance for younger children rather than weight loss. When setting short term goals, you can reasonably expect your child to lose 1-2 pounds per month, but try not to put the focus on the scale. Instead, focus on doing fun activities together and creating healthier meals and snacks.
Also keep in mind that most diet supplements and aids are meant for adults 18 and over. Some medicines can be dangerous even for adults, but can be toxic for obese children.
