How To Help Your Children Maintain A Healthy Weight?

Who doesn’t love the chubby cheeks of a child and the waddling gait of a plump toddler? Sadly, doctors around the world are worried that this seemingly lovely sight could, in fact, signal a difficult problem, namely childhood obesity.

Understand the reasons for childhood obesity and also explore 6 simple lifestyle changes to help your child maintain a healthy weight. Read on.

Reasons for Childhood Obesity

Children become overweight and obese for a variety of reasons. The most common causes are:

Genetics plays an important role.
Easy access to fattening food that is low in nutrition.
Little access to parks and playgrounds. Hence, their calorie intake far exceeds their calorie expenditure.
Medical conditions, such as an underlying hormonal imbalance.

6 Simple Steps That Help Control Childhood Obesity

As a parent, you can play an important role in helping your child prevent obesity. The first step towards it is to first recognize that there is a problem. Then, focus on slowly changing the physical activity and eating habits of the entire family so that the child does not feel singled out.

The following are a few helpful steps that you can follow:

1. Be supportive

Discuss your children's weight with them, allowing them to share their concerns with you. Never criticize them, as your child’s self-image is greatly influenced by your feelings and opinion.

2. Promote healthy eating habits

Involve your kids in menu planning, buying groceries, and cooking to help them develop an interest in healthy food options. Include plenty of bright-colored fruits and vegetables, whole-grain products, and low-fat dairy products in the daily diet. Choose lean meats, poultry, fish, lentils, and beans for protein. Serve fruits as an appetizer in between meals. Make them drink plenty of water. Allow children to stop eating when they feel full, rather than insisting on emptying their plates.

3. Restrict calorie-rich temptations

Limit soft drinks and packaged foods such as chocolates, chips, ice creams, and other high-fat snacks. Discuss with them the difference between healthy and junk foods. Try adding tasty fruit and vegetable recipes. You can allow them to eat their temptations, but in moderation.

4. Have at least one family meal every day

Make it a point you eat at least one meal with your child. It is observed that kids who regularly eat with their parents consume more fruit and vegetables, and are usually less likely to be overweight.

5. Designate time for physical activity daily

Kids should get at least 60 minutes of regular, moderate to vigorous intensity activity each developmentally appropriate day. Include running, rope jumping, playing tag, football, swimming, or dancing in your own daily routine. This will encourage your child to join you.

6. Reduce sedentary time

Limit their time for watching television, playing video games, or surfing the web to no more than 2 hours per day. Also, set a fixed time for completing homework. This will allow them more time for physical activity.

Conclusion

With your firm and loving support, you can help your child make smart lifestyle modifications and thereby overcome obesity. For any query related to your child’s overall health, Ask a Pediatrician at Ask a Doctor - 24x7.

Recently Answered Questions Related to Children's Obesity

Disclaimer: Information provided on this page is not intended to substitute for proper medical advice provided by your healthcare professional. This is only for informational purposes.

About the Author

Priya Singh

Priya Singh is a professional writer and editor with 13 years of experience in writing/editing health and lifestyle content for diverse verticals such as magazine, newspaper, and digital media.

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