Childhood Obesity - Causes, Health Risks And Prevention

The problem of obesity in childhood in the United States has grown significantly in the last years.30 percent of American children and teens are considered as either overweight or obese.The numbers are expected to increase, therefore childhood obesity presents one of the greatest health challenges these days.

Childhood obesity is described as a condition where excess body fat has detrimental impact on a child's health and wellbeing, and most often this condition becomes a lifelong issue.Unless they acquire and maintain a healthy and balanced lifestyle, overweight children most probably turn out to be overweight or obese adults.Inherited diseases such as Prader Willi and the Cohen syndrome, even though these are rare.Staying inactive causes unused energy to remain in the body.As a result, this energy will be stored as fat.A lot of kids hardly ever do some sports because they prefer to spend their time with immobile activities such as playing computer and video games or watching TV.

Unhealthy eating habits
Over the last two decades, eating habits of children (and also adults) have significantly changed.A great part of their calorie intake consists of fast food, high-calorie beverages, and snacks that include a lot of fat, sugar and salt.

Family history of obesity
If one parent is obese, there is a fifty percent chance that the child will be obese as well.This rate rises drastically - up to eighty percent - when both parents are obese, and is often connected with common family habits like inadequate eating habits and activity routines.DiabetesHigh blood pressureEarly heart diseaseHigh ch*lesterolSkin problems such as acne and fungal infectionsEmotional problems such as depression, anxiety, low self-esteemDifficulties with breathing and sleepingChildren require a healthful, balanced diet to help them develop and stay healthy.The foods they eat should include generous amounts of fresh fruits and vegetables.Encourage your children to try a wide variety of healthful food from an early age.By doing this, you will make sure your kids get all the vitamins, minerals and nutrients they need.
Involve your child when you do the cooking.That way, you can awaken the interest in cooking and get the child to learn about the different kinds of food and the advantages of preparing good and healthy meals.
Prepare your child's much-loved meals in a way that decreases the fat content, for instance by steaming or grilling it.
If your child does not like the consistence of cooked vegetables, offer cucumbers, tomatoes, celery, raw carrots, and other vegetables.
When you serve your kids a new food, do not make the mistake and force them to eat it.Instead, try it again at later meals.It can sometimes take a number of efforts before a child will settle for something new.
Minimize sedentary activities.Children and teens should be animated to exercise, at least one hour each day.Include exercise into your everyday life, such as walking, swimming or biking, and playing with other kids.It's essential to help your child choosing sportive activities that they get pleasure from and that don't make them feel uncomfortable.Do activities together as a family.By including the complete family, everyone is taught healthful habits and the overweight child does not feel isolated.
You and your child should strive for long-term changes in terms of the foods you eat and the activities you do.That way, your kids will be able to better handle and control their weight when they grow older.

Please keep in mind that your style of life can influence the chance of your child to become overweight.If you have too much excess weight during your pregnancy or don't stop smoking, then your kid is more likely to become overweight.

Studies show that breastfeeding your baby can reduce the risk of your child becoming overweight later.

You should under no circumstances put your child on a weight loss diet without medical advice, as this can have an impact on the child's development.Consult your family doctor if you are worried about your child's weight.View the original article here
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