Childhood Obesity -- What We Can Do
As we are all aware, we are currently facing an epidemic of childhood obesity. We are now approaching 20% of our children being defined as overweight in the U.S. Left unchecked, childhood obesity can lead to a lifetime of physical health issues including heart disease, diabetes, sleep disorders, gastrointestinal-related disease and mental health implications as well. Addressing the issue of excessive weight or obesity with children or young adolescents is quite complex.
Often times it is difficult for children to understand the importance of daily exercise and healthy eating. Whether the child alone is overweight or there are more family members facing the issue of obesity, I feel the entire family must participate in the solution to the problem. The family unit must work together and support each other in creating good habits for a healthy lifestyle.
1. Family walks/bike rides: before dinner/after dinner, a few times around the block or to the local park. But please bear in mind that the parents must first be motivated in order to motivate their children. I often begin with suggesting every other day but ultimately hope for a daily routine, if at all possible. And granted, in winter this may be a bit difficult. But a trip to the mall can keep you indoors but still active on a frigid winter day. And what a great way to spend time with your children.
2. Family dinners: healthy eating practices are easier to enforce when all members are eating together, and not in front of the television, computer monitor, video games and the like.
3. Portion sizes: when growing up, I recall at my dinner table it was a race between my brother, father and myself to finish first so that we could make sure we'd get a second serving (not always the case depending on what was being served). But the point I am emphasizing here is portion control, and make sure we have all our important food groups represented.
4. The Stash Away: Everyone knows what I am talking about. In the deepest most remote part of your kitchen is that bag of chips or cookies. Now you may not think your child is aware of its existence, but do not underestimate them. More than likely he is aware of them, and possibly may be contributing to their reduction without your even being aware of it. The point is, they need to be removed. Not only because it is an extra source of calories but because it becomes a learned behavior.
So when tackling the childhood obesity issues, a family approach can be a healthy approach. Remember to emphasize the positive (health, family time, enjoying the outdoors), not a sense of deprivation (no more eating bad foods, no more couch potato time, etc.).
Dr. Jeremy
Categories: Tips, Personal Opinion
Support Groups: Diets & Weight Maintenance, Family Issues, Fitness Goals, Food Addiction, Gay Parenting, Grandparents Raising Children, Healthy Eating, Nutrition, Obesity, Parenting 'Tweens (9-12), Parenting Big Kids (5-8), Parenting Newborns & Infants (0-1), Parenting Preschoolers (3-5), Parenting Teenagers (12-18), Parenting Toddlers (1-3), Prader-Willi Syndrome, Single Dads, Single Parenting, Twins, Triplets & More
9
Absolutely...breastfeeding has been associated with less incidence of childhood obesity. Great point.
By DrJeremy June 4, 2008 12:09pm
8
Dear Dr. Jeremy,
I enjoyed reading your blog about childhood obesity. One thing you may want to research and add to your list of things we can do to prevent obesity is BREASTFEED. Choosing to breastfeed your infant decreases a child's chances of being obese and of developing types I and II diabetes as well as offering a host of other benefits. These benefits reach well into adulthood. One might mention that there are differences between the health of an infant who is exclusively breastfed vs one who receives formula supplementation. Also, in those who have a family history of diabetes, introduction of formula within the first week of life is a risk factor for developing diabetes.
On another note, you may want to look up and refer others to Ellyn Satter who is a RD and LCSW. She has written several books and has some interesting information on feeding children. I have put her advice into practice in my home and buy into it 100%.
Sincerely,
an RN in Illinois
By bipolarinmygenes June 2, 2008 2:37pm
7
Dear Dr. Jeremy,
By bipolarinmygenes June 2, 2008 2:27pm
6
Lizzie, your point is well taken and a second cheers to raisinganthony...you've done a great job here.
By DrJeremy May 20, 2008 11:56pm
5
this is a good article about an alarming problem that all parents need to address!
great job RAISINGANTHONY!!! i wish everyone had the devotion and determination to do what is right for our children even when the kids might not always agree with us!!!
By NATURALLYCURED May 20, 2008 2:38pm
4
People are overweight most often for emotional reasons. Emotionally healthy children will stop eating when their bodies tell them to stop. People who don't trust their bodies (because of emotional reasons) become overweight.
By BrattyLori May 20, 2008 11:57am
3
I agree with you that children of today do have a weight issue. When we recieved guardianship of our grandson the first thing we did was to take him to the doctor and get a referal for a nutrionus. He weight was 107 pounds in October of 2004 and today at 10 he is down to 91 pounds. We enrolled in in karate for excercise and he rides his bike every Sunday with his Papa for 5 miles and walks every day. He had to adjust to not going to McDonalds and Wendy's every day and we cut out soda with him.
By raisinganthony May 20, 2008 11:34am
2
Dear dr. jeremy, first thanx u giving details of child obesity. this is more useful to me.
========
detta
Comprehensive resources for those looking for recovery from addiction.
http://www.addictionrecovery.net
By jothi May 20, 2008 6:14am
1
Hi Dr Jeremy
I have spotted a fault in this article - you state that "childhood obesity can lead to a lifetime of physical health issues including...diabetes". In fact what you mean is Type 2 diabetes. Please could you correct this. Type 1 diabetes is a very different condition from Type 2, it is an autoimmune condition and nothing to do with weight. In fact even Type 2s require a genetic predisposition to the condition, otherwise every fat person would be Type 2 diabetic.
Thanks
By Lizzie May 20, 2008 5:33am