Obesity in Children: Three Rules for Preventing Childhood Obesity

 

If we eat too much, the extra food turns into fat and is stored in our bodies. Obesity is the accumulation of excess fat in the body. Obesity in children is an epidemic in the United States and other developed countries. The obesity statistics show more than half the population of America is overweight, including one in five children. Here are three rules for preventing obesity in children that parents should never, ever forget.

 

Childhood Obesity Rule #One: Reduce television time

 

In previous years the long hours modern children spend watching television or doing other sedentary activities like playing video games or visiting social networks on the computer would have been devoted to physical pursuits. These activities also contribute to obesity in children is because of the concurrent consumption of high-calorie snacks.

 

Childhood Obesity Rule #Two: Focus on small but permanent changes in diet and exercise

 

Reducing caloric intake is the easiest change. Another widely recommended change is increased physical activity. The chief emphasis in treating most obese children should be to avoid weight gain greater than what’s suitable for likely increases in height. Parents’ involvement in modifying behavior is important in reducing obesity in children. The value of continuing lifestyle changes well past the early treatment period should be highlighted to the entire family.

 

Childhood Obesity Rule #Three: Lead by example

 

Today’s busy families have fewer free moments to plan wholesome, home-cooked meals. Quick and easy is the reality for many people. However, preventing obesity in children will mean adapting the way your family eats and exercises, and how you spend time together. Your involvement is important to your children health, so they will buy in to the notion that these habits are good for them.