Prevention of obesity

Obesity is now a health concern that has touched global proportions. It is no longer restricted to adults. Today it is visibly prevalent in children and adolescents of nearly all races and cultures. Obesity among children is a very serious issue that requires active attention and preventive measures from an early stage.To prevent child obesity one must understand the factors that lead to this condition in the first place. A child is deemed to be obese if his normal body weight exceeds the ideal weight in relation with the age and height of the child. It is calculated in terms of the body mass index (BMI). For instance a child of seven years whose BMI exceeds 20.51 is obese.

The most common causes leading to obesity in kids is- bad eating habits, lack of exercise and even psychological factors. Sometimes it is also inherited genetically; children of obese parents are likely to turn obese themselves.

In keeping with present lifestyle trends children these days actively gorge on junk food such as burgers, colas, fries, chocolates and other high-calorie food which are in effect only responsible for adding unwanted and harmful calories to the body. The condition aggravates further when they do not exercise or play sports to burn out those extra calories.

Psychological factors also affect a child’s eating habits. Many people tend to over eat as a result of negative emotions such as boredom, anger, depression or sadness.

To prevent child obesity certain points must be borne in mind. Firstly, parents should regulate the child’s diet by incorporating plenty of healthy food, fruits and snacks and limiting the intake of sweetened beverages and carbohydrates in the form of rice, pasta and desserts.

Monitor the child’s growth pattern and take the assistance of a physician to understand his growth curves. In fact awareness and education among parents is the first step towards fighting obesity in kids.

Ensure that the child is engaged in some form of active sport that would help to keep his body fit and toned. Sports also have a positive effect on the mind and energize from within.

Finally, parents should set a good example before their children by way of maintaining proper eating habits and a healthy lifestyle.