(Is Your Child At Risk for Obesity by Dr. Erin Hannagan, pediatrician at Keystone Pediatrics, first appeared in the Public Opinion Newspaper. To read it online, visit www.publicopiniononline.com.)
Diabetes, hypertension, and heart disease are all ailments that were once associated with grown ups. Unfortunately, children are experiencing these potentially deadly diseases at an alarming rate due to being overweight or obese early in life. So what can parents do to help their children reach and maintain a healthy weight and when is it appropriate to seek help?
What is obesity?
Obese children are described as weighing too much when you take into account the child’s height and weight proportions. According to the CDC, between 15 to 30 percent of children ages 2 to 19 in the United States are overweight or obese—a number that has tripled since the 1960s. Although there are a number of contributing factors, the main cause for obesity is taking in more calories than are being burned off. As healthcare providers, we worry about obesity in children because the long term effects of the extra weight can cause health problems in children that were once generally associated with later life.
Why is this happening?
Years ago, kids spent their afternoons playing outside or riding bikes until the street lights came on. Now, kids spend more time in front of the television, computer, or video game than ever before. Today’s children don’t eat as many healthy foods – it’s easier to eat high calorie fast food and prepackaged processed foods. Combine the lack of activity with poor diet and children are at increased risk for weight gain.
Make healthy choices as a family
Learning to make healthy choices is the key to preventing obesity. In children, we have the opportunity to change their diet and lifestyle much more easily than in an adult. Teaching a child to start eating fruits and vegetables, drink water, and get physical activity daily is the number one way to prevent weight gain.
If you are concerned about your child’s weight, there are some easy steps you can begin to take today. Switch all drinks to water or skim milk, cut out all snacks unless they are healthy snacks, and stop eating dessert each day. Watch your child’s sugar intake and stay away from processed foods if possible. Use smaller serving sizes at mealtime and remember that breakfast really is the most important meal of the day. Eat slowly and drink a glass of water before each meal.
We’re in this together
Remember that this should apply to the entire family, not just your child who is at risk. Although it can be challenging to change your family’s eating habits, planning ahead can help. Obesity isn’t just an issue for one member of your family – it affects everyone and should be viewed as a family effort. If you have tried making small improvements to your child’s diet but still have concerns about his or her weight, it’s important to talk to your healthcare provider. Some children may benefit from classes which teach children how to eat healthy or incorporate exercise into their daily life.
