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Childhood Obesity
Home » Diseases » Obesity Treatment » Childhood ObesityObesity in children has become an epidemic in the United States. The consequences of childhood obesity often carry over into adulthood. Childhood obesity refers to adolescents between the ages of 6 and 19. The number of adolescents in this age group who suffer from obesity has doubled in the last two decades increasing the number of obese children to one in five.
Obese children now suffer from diseases and health conditions that were only associated with adults in the past. Parents should be concerned about the health risks their overweight children can suffer. You should work with your pediatrician to determine the reasons for this obesity and the best strategies for prevention and treatment.
The fact that children spend much more time watching television and playing computer and video games than children did a couple of decades ago is a big contributor to obesity. Children used to play outside from daylight to dusk, getting plenty of physical activity. As physical activity in children has decreased, their body weights have increased.
Being overweight can have a devastating effect on a child’s self-esteem and social behaviors. Overweight children are often teased by other children, which causes low self-esteem and can lead to depression. Be supportive by giving them acceptance and encouragement.
Help your children maintain a healthy body weight by encouraging them to eat nutritional foods and participate in physical activities. Help them to make healthy food choices and avoid vending machines. Fried foods, candy bars, and soda are contributors to obesity in children. Take them to the park to play, encourage them to participate in school and community sports. Taking them on a daily walk will benefit you and your child.
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