Simple Steps for Child Obesity Prevention
The child obesity rate has been going up rapidly in recent years which has caused a scare for parents as well as increasing health problems in children. Technology, which is wonderful in so many ways, contributes to the problem of child obesity since it offers so many different opportunities for games and entertainment that were not available in the past. Due to this, many children are staying indoors and living sedentary lifestyles, watching movies and playing video games rather than playing outdoors and getting physical activity. In addition, staying indoors also makes food readily available at all times which is a big temptation for children who do not yet have full control over their eating habits.
How to Prevent It
Child obesity prevention starts with the well-child visits to the doctor each year. Although these seem less important as the child gets into his or her adolescent years, they are important for monitoring the height and weight ratio for the child to make sure that he or she is growing and gaining weight properly. This also allows parents to discuss any problems or concerns that they have about their child's eating habits or health and is a great preventative measure for all types of problems. These visits help doctors determine whether the child needs to be on a diet and exercise plan to prevent childhood obesity, allowing him to work with the parents in implementing the plan. It also allows him to check the child to make sure there are not any hormonal imbalances or diseases that could be causing the weight gain.
Child obesity prevention also includes a good example being set by the parents in their own diet and exercise. Often children who become obese come from families that are prone to obesity and do not have proper eating and exercise habits. Parents are a role model for their children and what habits they practice are most often instilled in their children as well by default. Therefore, if the parent snacks unhealthily and fails to exercise regularly, the child is most likely going to follow that pattern as well. It is important to keep healthy snacks in the house, eat a well balanced diet according to the food groups, and to exercise regularly, even if it is only going on family walks. It is important also to regulate indoor play time and encourage children to play outside and participate in different sports to prevent childhood obesity.
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