The Childhood Obesity Epidemic Continues To Grow

Childhood obesity can lead to many health problems later in life. Carrying too much fat throughout childhood may be hard to spot, but the waist ratio that defines obesity for adults also functions to determine the obesity risk of children. Over time, high levels of body fat can lead to Type 2 diabetes, nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, and breathing challenges. Sleep apnea and asthma are a risk as well.

Additionally, a child who is carrying excess fat may have joint pain, which makes getting some exercise harder, leads to more inactivity, and can contribute to a higher body weight percentage of unhealthy fat. Children and teens carrying too much weight can also struggle with high blood pressure and dangerously high cholesterol.

Causes of Childhood Obesity

The risk factors of childhood obesity include:

• Family obesity, which may include a poor diet and inactivity.
• Genetic conditions, which are different from family obesity.
• Socioeconomic factors, up to and including not having a safe place to get out and get some exercise.
• Stress and psychological pressure from peers and parents.
• Some medications.

Sadly, a child who is obese may be teased by other children, which increases their isolation and boosts their anxiety. This isolation may lead to more overeating, particularly of high fat and sugary foods and drinks, which will lead to more weight gain.

Socioeconomic factors may be personal, such as not having an adult to support healthy food choices. They can also be community based, such as not having access to quality groceries near the child's home.

Educating Children on Childhood Obesity

Excess weight is often blamed on genetics. However, if your parents are overweight, you may have a genetic predisposition. If your family pets were also overweight, your weight problems are not genetic. For parents working to improve their own mindset about food, take off extra weight and protect their child, it may be time to draw a hard line between what foods are actually nutritious and what foods are treats.

Avoid calling any food junk food; we don't eat junk. Call them treats, and make them special. Maybe Sunday can be your ice cream day, or Friday night can mean potato chips. Focus on a diet that supports a leaner life, including lean meats, fresh fruits and vegetables, and whole grains. Include raw produce with every meal to encourage your child's tolerance and taste for natural sugars instead of sodas and over-sweetened juices.

Treating Childhood Obesity

Both you and your child may struggle to readjust your habits and your taste buds. Strive to find non-food treats that you can both enjoy together, including games and puzzles, as you wean yourself away from sugary drinks and salty treats.

If your child has been working hard to understand and enjoy dietary changes but struggling with the isolation of being heavier than their peers, talk to your pediatrician. Your child may be headed for diabetes and struggling to burn fat.

Make sure that, in addition to cutting back on treat foods, you cut back as a family on sitting time. You may be pushing to sit and have a meal together, but if that means moving to the couch to sit and watch television, do your best to change up that transfer.

Pack healthy sandwiches and fruit for lunch or supper in a backpack, have everyone grab a bottle of water and head to the park for a picnic. Play on the swings, run around the merry-go-round, and climb the jungle gym with your children before walking home before dark. Making a "move as a family" date is extremely helpful in fighting obesity, both for yourself and your kids.