How to Prevent Childhood Obesity?

Answer 1

As our lifestyles become more and more sedentary, it is difficult to prevent and control childhood obesity. However, there are several things that parents and caretakers can do to help prevent childhood weight gain. By finding ways to keep your kids active and eating healthy, you will be able to make sure that your child stays healthy, happy, and in good physical shape.

First of all, an important thing that parents can do to help keep their children from gaining weight is to monitor their diet. Stay away from fatty foods like Hamburgers and french fries, and get your kids used to eating healthy foods like fruits and vegetables. Sometimes this is a challenge, but by finding ways to get kids to eat healthy foods, they will develop good habits that will help them later on down the road. It will also help them to have the energy they need to play and stay active, which is another important factor in the prevention of childhood obesity.

Aside from monitoring diet and nutrition, parents can also make sure their kids stay healthy by keeping them active. Kids love to play at the park, hanging on monkey bars or swinging on swings. Even though these are not necessarily physically active, they keep kids from sitting at home watching television all day. It is also a good idea to go on walks with your children. This will not only keep them physically fit, but will also allow you to spend special time with your kids on a regular basis. As children age, encourage them to join sports teams or do other activities. This will keep them active and will provide them with a group of children they can play with and enjoy spending time with. This is important for children of any age.

By following these guidelines, you will be able to help your child prevent childhood obesity and keep him healthy and happy. Children who eat healthy foods and who exercise frequently often do not get sick as often as other children. By finding ways to keep your child off the couch and onto the playground, you will help him stay healthy.

Answer 2

Childhood obesity is an epidemic in our society. In the United States alone, nearly 13 million children are obese, with nearly double that number at risk for becoming overweight. It is up to parents to become involved with their children and teach them healthy eating habits. Fortunately, there are some tips for parents to help their children lose weight or maintain a healthy weight.

A good start is to eat dinner together as a family as often as possible. Children who eat as a family tend to have better eating habits and weigh less, since the meals are prepared and typically more nutritious. Plus, the meal is served under parental supervision, as opposed to just letting the child eat whatever they want.

Sleep is key to staying healthy. Lack of sleep is linked to obesity in people of all ages, children and adults. Children who are tired move less and burn fewer calories. Plus, lack of sleep stimulates production of cortisol, which, studies show, increases appetite. Younger children should sleep at least 10 hours of night. Eight hours is sufficient for most teenagers.

Another way to prevent obesity is to limit television time. Two hours of television is the recommended maximum, and children under two years of age should not watch television at all. Television, especially during meals, causes overeating. Instead, promote fitness. Have the children play outside or participate in a team sport. Take a walk together as a family. You may even want to go as far as unplugging the television for several days or a week. Your children may protest, but it will be better for them physically and emotionally in the long run.

Get your child involved in the food preparation process. Take them grocery shopping with you and have them pick out healthy foods, such as fruits and vegetables. Involve them in the cooking process as well. For example, they can prepare salads and measure and stir ingredients. Make healthy food available at all times and give children a choice as to what they are allowed to eat. Limit junk food and plan portions sensibly. Use the Food Guide Pyramid as a resource.