Approximately 12.5 million young children and teens are affected by obesity problems in the U.S. Many factors, including unhealthy lifestyle and lack of physical activity contribute to this occurrence.
According to CDC, obese children are at a higher risk of developing cardiovascular diseases like high blood pressure and cholesterol, prediabetes, bone and joint problems, sleep apnea, social and psychological problems like stigmatization and poor self-esteem.
In their view, children who are heavy in childhood are more likely to grow up as obese adults, escalating the risks of heart disease, type 2 diabetes, stroke, several types of cancer and osteoarthritis.
Following a healthy lifestyle including healthy eating habits and physical activity can help in preventing the young generation from becoming overweight.
Following are some recommendations from Medline Plus, National Institute of Health's Web site, for helping parents in assisting their children to lose weight:
* Consult a doctor and design a systematic weight-loss plan
* Encourage children to make healthy food choices through rewards or by appreciating their effort
* Teach children to stop eating when they are full
* Never tease or criticize children for their failure to follow the weight-loss plan
* Overweight parents should set an example for their kids by following a healthy lifestyle and losing weight
* Family meals will help in bringing some positive changes
* Avoid fast food and try to provide homemade meals
* Teach children about good food choices by taking them along while you go for grocery shopping
* Avoid buying junk food or unhealthy snacks
* Keep unhealthy foods like cookies and junk food out of reach of children
* Encourage children to avoid sugary drinks provided from the school and to drink water instead
* It is always better to pack lunch from home
