6 Things You Must Do Now to Keep Your Child’s Weight in Check

Chiomah Momah

 

Childhood obesity has reached an alarming proportion in today’s society, still, some parents with obese kids have chosen to live in denial. This is fuelled by ignorance and the ever busy parent who feels the need to constantly stuff their children with all sorts of goodies as a form of compensation.

Find a few factors that contribute to obesity in children and steps you must take to keep your child at an healthy weight.

Common causes:

•Genetic Factors: It is possible for obesity to run in the family. However, this factor, though contributory, is highly overrated. This is because genetics alone cannot cause obesity. A child who has the genetic predisposition but eats moderately and leads an active lifestyle may end up not being overweight.

• Unhealthy Eating Pattern: If you as a parent don’t eat right, guess what? Your kids will do the same. Children are natural imitators and if parents are heavy eaters and are already overweight, their children will naturally follow suit.

• Television and Gadgets: Statistics show that children under the age of 18 spend an average of 5 hours per day using some form of entertainment media ranging from the TV to gadgets such as Game Consoles, tablets (ipad, Samsung tab) and phones. The time children spend on such activities will inadvertently reduce the time spent engaging in physical activity as most children would rather sit in front of the TV or play the latest PS than play outside with friends.

• Limited Access To Safe Play Area: Gone are the days when children were free to play outside with friends or go to the neighborhood park. Nowadays, the fear of predators makes most parents lock their children indoors and deprive them from the much needed physical activity that outdoor exercise provides. In fact, in most areas, the public parks have either been closed down or don’t exist at all!

• Unhealthy Foods Adverts: Interestingly, the makers of the junk foods spend the most on advertising. They also make sure their adverts appeal to their target audience; children!

• Reduced  Breastfeeding: It is well documented that breastfed infants are less likely to become obese later in life. However, more and more women are deciding not to breastfeed thus increasing their children’s chances of becoming overweight.

So, how can obesity be curbed?

It is necessary for parents to be in control of the quality and quantity of what goes into their children’s mouth and their lifestyle choices. Start with these 6 steps:

1. Lead by example: If your child is already overweight or has the genetic predisposition to be, then now is the time to inculcate healthy habits by starting with yourself. Remember, monkey see, monkey do.

2. Get your children to become physically active: Fun activities such as swimming, playing tennis, basket ball, soccer, etc., on a regular basis will most likely interest your child.

3. Offer healthy snacks: Rather than giving your children calorie packed soda and overprocessed sugar laden snacks everyday, try introducing healthy options such as apples. Carrots, bananas, pineapples, watermelons, etc., are also naturally sweet and tasty fruits that most kids will enjoy eating.

4. Educate them: Explain to your children the benefits of exercise and eating right. Once they understand these and see you model same, half your job is done.

5. Let treats be treats: Let treats such as ice cream, fast food and candy be given occasionally and not daily. Most parents use these treats as bribes. This must be curbed.

6. Reduce sedentary activity: Reduce the amount of time spent they spend watching television and playing computer games. If you are not comfortable with them playing outside, they can play active indoor games such as hide and seek.