Long before it became a national platform, families struggled with Childhood Obesity. Some shrugged it off by saying “oh they are just big-boned” or “it runs in the family”. While Obesity can be linked to families, the diet and exercise routine of families plays a large role in whether or not a child is obese. Up to one out of every five children in the U. S. is overweight or obese, and this number is continuing to rise.
An exam from your pediatrician will determine if your child is overweight. This is done by measuring your child’s weight and height and his or her ”BMI,” or body mass index, to compare this value to standard values.
Health Risk for Obese Children:
- High cholesterol
- High blood pressure
- Early heart disease
- Diabetes
- Bone problems
- Skin conditions such as heat rash, fungal infections, and acne
What families can do to promote a healthy lifestyle for their children.
- Plan family activities that provide everyone with exercise, like walking, biking, or swimming. Take care not to choose activities that your child has difficulty participating in. This can contribute to low self-esteem. Avoid shaming your child by calling attention to their weight especially in front of siblings that may not have a weight problem. The Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans recommends children do at least 60 minutes of physical activity every day.
For more information on promoting healthy lifestyles for children visit:
http://www.cdc.gov/obesity/childhood/causes.html
http://www.webmd.com/children/guide/obesity-children?page=2
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