Each year, the number of children who are obese is growing at an alarming rate that it has become an epidemic. Every parent needs to be concerned and informed about this problem. Just why are we seeing a huge incidence of obesity in children today? The reasons are essentially the same as the reasons we've got so many adults who are either overweight or obese. It comes down to how much you eat relative to the amount of physical activity you get. There are many things that parents like you can do to ensure that your child doesn't end up overweight or obese.
Don't be like many parents and use food as a reward to get your child do something you want. Chocolates and candies are typically used as a reward. If you reward these treats to your child whenever he or she accomplishes something, you're basically teaching your child to associate the treats with accomplishment. You shouldn't use TV or computer time as a reward either because your child will simply become more inactive. Your child will benefit more if you reward him or her with something that's a lot healthier. Get the whole family engaged in fun and healthy family activities, for instance.
If they are overweight, they may not be coordinated or athletic enough for traditional sports. This doesn't mean, however, that there aren't activities that would be appropriate for them. Check out what your child's school has to offer in terms of extra-curricular activities. You may want to check out activities that are given locally as well. Swimming and martial arts are just a few after-school activities your child might enjoy. Make sure you encourage your child if he or she expresses even the slightest interest in something that will get him or her active. When it comes to weight issues, it's best that you follow the pediatrician's recommendations. A doctor will be able to tell whether your child's weight gain is normal or not. After all, it's quite normal for children to gain weight, so if you put your child on a restrictive diet without a doctor's go ahead, you may be unknowingly impeding your child's natural growth. Be aware that the rate at which children go varies, so don't think right away that your child has a weight problem if he or she appears to be gaining a little weight. Talk to a doctor first and get expert advice before putting your child on a diet, as his or her weight gain could just be a natural part of his or her development.
For so many years, it has been believed that milk is healthy and should therefore be part of every person's diet. Studies are consistently showing, however, that milk isn't all that healthy. Consuming milk and other milk-based products (e.g., cheese, ice cream) wouldn't be the healthiest thing for a child who is overweight.
Eating huge portions is one habit that many adults and children develop. In many cases, this habit starts when parents force their children to finish all the food on their plate. If your child is underweight or doesn't seem to be eating enough, you should encourage your child to eat more. But if your child looks like he or she is overweight, make sure the food on his or her plate is just enough to satisfy hunger. Eating out or ordering fast food often can be a challenge. Your child should be eating smaller portions and you can give your child more food if he or she is still hungry. It's important that you don't give your child a huge amount of food to eat in one go, as that will only cause him or her to develop the habit of overeating.
A very serious problem, childhood obesity is something that parents should be concerned about. They need to know the causes of obesity in children, as well as what they can do to make sure their children don't become obese. Parents whose children are overweight or obese should talk to a doctor and come up with a plan on how they can help their children lose weight. Use the tips we've mentioned to get your child to the weight that's right for him or her.
Don't be like many parents and use food as a reward to get your child do something you want. Chocolates and candies are typically used as a reward. If you reward these treats to your child whenever he or she accomplishes something, you're basically teaching your child to associate the treats with accomplishment. You shouldn't use TV or computer time as a reward either because your child will simply become more inactive. Your child will benefit more if you reward him or her with something that's a lot healthier. Get the whole family engaged in fun and healthy family activities, for instance.
If they are overweight, they may not be coordinated or athletic enough for traditional sports. This doesn't mean, however, that there aren't activities that would be appropriate for them. Check out what your child's school has to offer in terms of extra-curricular activities. You may want to check out activities that are given locally as well. Swimming and martial arts are just a few after-school activities your child might enjoy. Make sure you encourage your child if he or she expresses even the slightest interest in something that will get him or her active. When it comes to weight issues, it's best that you follow the pediatrician's recommendations. A doctor will be able to tell whether your child's weight gain is normal or not. After all, it's quite normal for children to gain weight, so if you put your child on a restrictive diet without a doctor's go ahead, you may be unknowingly impeding your child's natural growth. Be aware that the rate at which children go varies, so don't think right away that your child has a weight problem if he or she appears to be gaining a little weight. Talk to a doctor first and get expert advice before putting your child on a diet, as his or her weight gain could just be a natural part of his or her development.
For so many years, it has been believed that milk is healthy and should therefore be part of every person's diet. Studies are consistently showing, however, that milk isn't all that healthy. Consuming milk and other milk-based products (e.g., cheese, ice cream) wouldn't be the healthiest thing for a child who is overweight.
Eating huge portions is one habit that many adults and children develop. In many cases, this habit starts when parents force their children to finish all the food on their plate. If your child is underweight or doesn't seem to be eating enough, you should encourage your child to eat more. But if your child looks like he or she is overweight, make sure the food on his or her plate is just enough to satisfy hunger. Eating out or ordering fast food often can be a challenge. Your child should be eating smaller portions and you can give your child more food if he or she is still hungry. It's important that you don't give your child a huge amount of food to eat in one go, as that will only cause him or her to develop the habit of overeating.
A very serious problem, childhood obesity is something that parents should be concerned about. They need to know the causes of obesity in children, as well as what they can do to make sure their children don't become obese. Parents whose children are overweight or obese should talk to a doctor and come up with a plan on how they can help their children lose weight. Use the tips we've mentioned to get your child to the weight that's right for him or her.
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