Curbing the obesity epidemic in kids
Published Friday, August 4, 2006 10:48:47 AM Central Time
By Arif Ahmad, M.D.
Cardiology Specialist and Electrophysiologist, Monroe Clinic
Q: Is obesity a problem among children?
A: The recent statistics are startling. Over the past 30 years the percent of overweight children aged six to 11 years has more than doubled. Obese children most often grow into obese adults.
Q: Baby fat goes away with time. Is it really a big deal that my child has a few extra pounds?
A: Active children are generally happier children as physical activity builds strength and well-being. Encourage your child to have fun while being active. Habits begun in childhood often carry over into adulthood. Encourage physical activity. Something as simple as showing children the importance and pleasure of walking and bicycling to and from school may increase the likelihood that they will engage in other forms of physical activity and develop long-term healthy habits. Lead by example. Children have much better odds of exercising if their parents do the same.
Q: What are some of the health risks associated with being an overweight child?
A: While more research is needed to understand all of the implications of being an overweight or inactive child, we do know that overweight children are more likely to become obese adults. Overweight and obese adults are at increased risk for heart disease, high blood pressure, stroke, diabetes, some types of cancer and gall bladder disease.
Q: My child sits on the couch watching television and playing video games. What can I do to encourage him to be more active?
A: The ideas are limitless. Here are some suggestions:
Building an obstacle course in the backyard
Walking to the pool with a friend
Joining a summer activity, like a day camp
Building a fort outside
Rollerblading
Bicycling to or around a park
Playing catch
Taking a walk
Playing on a jungle gym
Playing music and dancing
Ice skating, sledding or playing ice hockey in the winter
Building a snowman, making snow angels or building an igloo, castle, or fort in the snow
Swimming indoors or outdoors
Q: I agree that exercise is a great idea, but what about eating habits? What can I do to encourage my child to eat healthier?
A: In this age of super-sized portions, serve smaller portion sizes. Children can split meals with their friends, parents, brothers or sisters. Instead of going to a fast food restaurant, provide your child with a healthy nutritious sack lunch.
Be a good role model yourself by selecting healthy foods to eat. Other suggestions include limiting your child's sugar intake (buy juice that is 100 percent juice with no added sugars and limit soft drinks and desserts). Have vegetables regularly during meals and serve fresh fruit as dessert.
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