subject: The Importance Of Good Childhood Nutrition [print this page] One of the most serious problems affecting our country today is the epidemic of childhood obesity. Within the past few decades, the number of children that can be considered obese has reached alarmingly high numbers. If your child falls into this category or if you are worried about the diet and exercise habits of your child, you should make an effort to instill good diet and exercise habits in your child. In today's world, there are many different unhealthy options out there and it is necessary to educate and instill good habits in your child for them to remain healthy. Your pediatrician can also offer advice to help keep your child healthy.
The Dangers Of Childhood Obesity
There are a variety of negative consequences for childhood obesity. Physical consequences include the possible development of Type II diabetes, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, asthma and a host of other problems. Once a child starts developing these problems, it can be extremely difficult to remedy them. And it is always easier to put weight on than take weight off. An obese child may end up fighting his or her weight for the rest of their life. In addition to the physical consequences of childhood obesity, there are a host of social and emotional problems that can result from a child being obese. When a child is obese, he or she can be subject to teasing and bullying. Over time, teasing and bullying can lead to depression and low self-esteem for a child. To avoid these negative complications, it is important for you to work with your child to prevent them from becoming obese.
Steps To Take To Avoid Childhood Obesity
There are a variety of important things you can do to help your child avoid childhood obesity. The key to avoiding obesity for your child is to develop good habits that they can continue throughout their lives. The first important aspect of avoiding obesity is to keep a healthy diet. As a parent, you are responsible for deciding most of what your child eats. By choosing healthy foods like fruits and vegetables instead of feeding your child fast food, you will be able to limit their fat and caloric intake. You will also be able to instill healthy eating habits and avoid them getting addicted to high fat foods. In the future, they will continue keeping their positive habits.
In addition to a healthy diet, exercise also plays an important role in avoiding childhood obesity. By burning calories and avoiding a sedentary lifestyle, childhood exercise is extremely important to keep children healthy and fit.
To learn more about how to fight childhood obesity or to schedule an appointment, contact your North Potomac pediatrician today.
