How to Reduce the Risk for Childhood Obesity

We can no longer ignore the epidemic of childhood obesity that is plaguing our nation. There are articles in magazines, news programs and talk shows that are telling the American parent to wake up and be that first line of defense against childhood obesity. There are easy ways that parents can become that first line of defense and truly be instrumental in reducing the risk for childhood obesity within their child.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

1. Have the child evaluated by the family physician or pediatrician. A health and wellness check-up is important for every child, because it can help evaluate medical problems while accessing risk factors for potential and future medical conditions. The doctor will be able to evaluate the child’s potential for obesity or diagnose an already existent presence of obesity, and rule out other physical disorders that may have even caused obesity. Together, the parent and doctor can develop the strategies needed to prevent or reverse the condition.
2. Encourage healthy eating. This can be done simply by removing high fat and sugary snacks, and replacing them with healthier choices like fresh fruit and vegetables. Because obesity is such a big issue, there are numerous healthy low-fat snacks on the market.
3. Take a stand against sedentary activity. It has become all too easy to allow television, computers and video games to occupy the time of children. A child that is not motivated and encouraged to move through physical activity, is a child that is more prone to becoming obese as a child and continuing that path well into adulthood.
4. Encourage physical activities. Incorporating physical activities does not need to require an abundance of money. Many parents cannot afford to pay the high costs associated with extracurricular sports and activities that are aimed at getting the child involved with fitness. Physical activity can be as simple as taking a family walk in the evening after dinner, or going to the park and tossing a ball. Not only will this get the child moving, it will also encourage quality time between child and parent, which can motivate the child positively as they work toward reversing obesity.
5. Communicate acceptance to the child. An obese child knows they have a weight problem, and do not need to have parental ridicule to deal with on top of the peer ridicule they probably receive daily. As parents, we love our children unconditionally and accept them for who they are; so, by letting the child know they are loved and accepted will be more encouraging and supportive than constantly reminding them of something they are already aware of. Parents have to form a partnership to help their child reduce the risk of obesity and combat weight problems.
6. Create a campaign for healthy lunch programs and better physical education programs within the school district.
7. Remember to be a positive role model. Children learn from the example set by parents. Show them that you too can eat healthy and enjoy physical fitness activities. In other words, practice what you preach.

Tips & Warnings

• Do not dismiss possible weight problems that your child exhibits. Sometimes, parents do not want to admit to themselves that their child may have a problem with obesity, and this can do more harm than good. It is better to have the child evaluated and intervene at the first sign of the problem.