There is not one single cause for a child to be overweight, rather it is a complex interaction of many variables. Contributing factors include genetics, behaviour (nutrition, physical activity, sedentary activities) and environment. Many kids are spending less time exercising and more time in front of the TV, computer, or video-game console. And today’s busy families have fewer free moments to prepare nutritious, home-cooked meals. From fast food to electronics, quick and easy is the reality for many families.
However, overweight kids are at increased risk for several health complications. Despite being young they are still likely to exhibit risk factors for adult medical conditions: cardiovascular disease including high blood pressure, high cholesterol and type 2 diabetes. In the very near future, 1 in 3 people will be diabetic - and that, is scary.
Additional health complications include sleep apnea, asthma, and liver damage.
Plus, being overweight as a child also has psychological and emotional consequences. Overweight children are at an increased risk of teasing and bullying, low self-esteem, and poor body image. Top that off with the fact that overweight children and adolescents are more likely to become obese adults and you can see the importance of our roles as caretakers to step up and teach our children the importance of an active lifestyle and about proper nutrition.
The home, childcare setting, school and community are all integral to a more healthful environment for our kids.
As parents, we have a huge responsibility to enable our children to live a healthy life ... we can promote a healthy weight among our kids by promoting healthy nutrition and encouraging healthy eating and physical activity habits.
Serve a wide variety of foods, including fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and low-fat dairy products. Provide children with a variety of foods to ensure they get all the nutrients they need for proper growth and development.
Know how much food kids need. Keep portion sizes in check to help maintain their sense of self-regulation - and to know when they are hungry and when they are full.
Be a great role model for kids by eating together. Eating meals as a family has been shown to increase fruit and vegetable consumption and decrease the amount of junk foods and sugar sweetened beverages.
Limit computer and TV time. Keep televisions and video games out of their bedrooms to help them limit the amount of that screen time.
And lastly, encourage your kids to accumulate a minimum of 60 minutes of physical activity each day. Increase opportunities for them to engage in being healthy and active. Join them! Helping kids lead healthy lifestyles begins with parents who lead by example.
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