Childhood obesity is much more severe than a child having a little extra baby fat.
It is a rising health epidemic that is currently afflicting one in three children. Those are some scary numbers.
The rise in obesity in children can be attributed to unhealthy eating habits and not enough exercise.
Childhood obesity is afflicting more kids than ever before. It is a dangerous epidemic that seems to have no end in sight.
Parents have no choice but to take the bull by the horns and step up to help their kids lose weight and lead a healthy life as an adult.
According to researchers, most obese children grow up to be obese adults and therefore suffer the resulting health issues that are a result of being overweight.
One problem that faces parents today is a lack of time to help their child lose weight.
Most parents lead a busy lifestyle and have a limited amount of free time.
At the same time, obese children need the support and encouragement of their parents to achieve a healthy body weight.
Fortunately, there are things that even a busy parent can do to help their kids adopt a healthy lifestyle and lose weight.
1) Eat Fruits and Vegetables
Fruits and vegetables are an excellent source of vitamins and essential nutrients.
Parents must make them a part of every meal kids eat. Eating fruits and vegetables every day ensures that your child is consuming a healthy and balanced diet.
Keep in mind that your example also contributes significantly to your child's habits, so it is essential that you are also eating a healthy diet.
Another important point to remember is that fruits and vegetables also help boost body metabolism which will help your child lose weight.
2) Healthy Snacks
Kids love snacks, and smart parents can use this as an opportunity to get them to eat healthier foods.
Instead of loading the fridge and pantry with chips and soda, parents need to load up on things like baby carrots, apples, oranges and other fruit, nuts, whole grain bread, celery sticks, low-fat yogurt and bottled water.
Kids who have access to only healthy food items will get into the habit of eating better which will contribute significantly toward maintaining healthy body weight.
3) Encourage Kids to Stay Active
Kids today have become couch potatoes, and it has had a detrimental effect on their overall health.
Busy parents may feel challenged concerning the time when it comes to getting their kids more physically active.
With a little creativity, finding time for exercise is not quite as difficult as it may seem.
Things like a 15-minute walk in the morning or after dinner, afterschool/weekend sporting activities at school or the local park.
Walking the family dog, riding a bike, and playing games like basketball or baseball with friends, etc. - are some ways to squeeze in more physical activity for kids.
Parents can make all the difference when it comes to helping their children stay healthy and rid themselves of excess weight.
Type II Diabetes is one of the problems that can occur due to childhood obesity.
This was a health issue that only adults developed in the past, but now even young children are getting affected by it.
Using some creative planning allows even busy parents to contribute greatly to their child's overall health.