Weight Control In Children
In Western society, about a quarter of all teenagers and children can be classified as obese – even after taking growth charts into account. And frighteningly, the rate of obesity is still growing, and fast. Parents and grandparents are contributing to their children’s unhealthy eating, through a lack of healthy eating knowledge, being time-poor and opting for the easier unhealthier food options, or in some cases feeling unable to afford good food. Not forgetting that ever-present ‘pester power’ when kids watch adverts and all the unhealthy options are at their eye-level on the supermarket shelf!
If you are worried about your child’s future, you will realise that what you feed them now is a matter for serious consideration. Rather than controlling absolutely what your child eats and drinks, putting a healthy eating plan in place, educating your child and getting them to help make decisions regarding their meals will all help in their weight management and control.
Obesity if not recognised early, can start at a young age and continue to be a problem through teenage years and into adulthood. Socially, your child may be teased or bullied but psychologically and physically there are many more problems that develop. Obesity, leads to chronic (ongoing) diseases, such as heart failure, cancer and diabetes. Other problems include joint pain, gout, kidney stones and many more problems that you don’t want your children to have. And don’t be fooled into thinking these are adult problems – people of a younger and younger age are developing these problems too now.
Instead of giving in to your child’s cravings for high-sugar, high-fat foods or their unhealthy bouts of inactivity in front of the computer, games console or television, start thinking about what you can do as a family – something that will benefit everyone, and keep your child motivated.
Weight control in children is not as straightforward as for adults – they have different nutritional needs due to them still growing and developing. However, cutting out foods high in salt, sugar and fat and getting them to move or exercise more is a massive step in the right direction.
By getting involved yourself, you may find more time together as a family and most importantly, you will show youself to be a good role model – after all, do you listen to the people who tell you to do one thing and then do something different themselves?
December 11th, 2009 at 10:10 am
Great post! Yes, I am totally agree with you that from childhood onwards, children are need to give proper diet and healthy food to prevent from obesity. Weight management should be control from that age only. If the child is having an obesity, it can leads to chronic diseases and many more problems. So, it is very vital to choose proper diet and a well physical exercise for children.