subject: What To Do When Your Child Become Overweight [print this page] Obesity has reached epidemic proportions globally, With more than 1 billion adults overweight - at least 300 million of them clinically obese - and is a major contributor to the global burden of chronic disease and disability. This is something that is affecting virtually all ages and socioeconomic groups. Over the last few years obesity has been creeping more and more into the lives of our children causing major issues for our young ones and teens, as well.
Overweight children and teens have been found to have risk factors for cardiovascular disease, including high cholesterol, elevated insulin levels, and elevated blood pressure during childhood. One study showed that approximately 60% of overweight children had a least one cardiovascular risk factor, such as high cholesterol or high blood pressure; in comparison, only 10% of children with healthy weight had at least one risk factor. Additionally, 25% of overweight children had two or more risk factors.
According to some recent research studies that were performed very overweight children spend nearly twice as much time watching TV than average-weight children. They also spent more time on computers, playing video games, sending E-mail, and using the Internet. They are much less likely to be involved in athletics and more likely to participate in music and art. Overweight children also spend more time alone than average-weight children and of course, when they were alone, they are more likely to be eating.
These children need help to prevent harmful eating habits from ruining their health. Children need exercise and wholesome food choices. Each child has unique nutritional needs. The goal is to find the energy balance of calories in and calories burned by making smarter food choices and becoming more active. Overweight children that also show depressive symptoms may benefit from the addition of a regular aerobic exercise program to improve self-worth.
Overweight children may feel uncomfortable about participating in certain activities. They were five times as likely to describe their self-confidence as poor compared to average-weight children. They can still be saved from being obese adults through patience and understanding and a change in the childs diet and exercise routines.
For overweight children there are also weight loss camps and weight loss programs which offer great benefit. There are many weight loss camps that feature nutrition education, weight loss tips, dieting information, fitness programs, exercise, weight loss, self-esteem building, exciting activities, great fun and friendships.
In order to stop obesity from ruining the lives of these children parents need to take an active role. It is time to stop buying the frozen meals and bags of chips and instead start cooking healthy dinners and snacking on fruits and vegetables. Teaching your children at a young age how to eat healthy will save them from the complications of obesity.
