Obesity is one of the fastest growing diseases affecting children today. Being an overweight child can contribute to many other health problems. The American Academy of Pediatrics has determined that there is a high chance that an overweight child will become an overweight adult. It is the job of our local communities and national organizations to educate and prevent future health problems from obesity.
Diseases such as hypertension and diabetes have been directly related to obesity. Other disorders, such as hypothyroidism and asthma, can also contribute to obesity in children. If your thyroid gland is not working properly, the overall functioning of your body will decrease. A respiratory disorder can also decrease the proper functioning of the human body, causing children to breathe heavily and move slowly. If children are too tired to exercise or complete their daily activities, they will gain weight. An overweight child has probably already been diagnosed or will be diagnosed with these health disparities in the future.
Children must live active lifestyles to stay physically fit and healthy throughout adulthood. The American Medical Association recommends that people get at least thirty minutes of continuous cardiovascular exercise every day. This includes children, who actually spend most of their day in front of a screen, such as a computer or video game. Daily exercise not only keeps kids fit, it also boosts their immune systems to fight infections and other illnesses that can affect their bodies. Encourage your children to participate in a sports activity such as swimming, jogging, or playing tennis to increase their metabolism so they can burn calories to lose weight.
Proper eating habits also lower the risk of childhood obesity and reduce the chances of becoming an overweight adult. Everyone should eat adequate portions daily from the five basic food groups and refrain from cooking their food in fats and oils. Eating the right portions will reduce excessive caloric intake and hold you accountable for the foods you eat from each food group. It is best to cook your foods with natural seasonings, such as bell peppers, garlic, and onions to reduce adding extra salt to your meals.
We can overcome Childhood Obesity with the right education and motivation. Parents should also take their children to the pediatrician for regular checkups to make sure their health is improving. This can reduce the rate of obesity in adults, lowering the total cost of health care and increasing the value of life. We can make a difference in our children’s future by making changes to their exercise and eating habits today.