What You Need To Know About Childhood Obesity 

In the US today, obesity is rising, with over a third of the population being categorized as overweight. Children are at risk of this, which can lead to many severe problems later on down the track. It is essential to be aware of the dangers of childhood obesity and the impact it can have on our children. If you want to learn more about childhood obesity, please keep reading.  

When we think of obesity, the most common causes for children include lack of exercise, overeating, and unhealthy eating. In some cases, however, there could be a medical problem, increasing their chances of becoming overweight. This can be diagnosed with a blood test and physical examination from your doctor. 

When becoming obese, children up a whole new world of problems that they can be at risk too. Some of these include: 

• High blood pressure 
• Bone problems 
• Diabetes 
• High Cholesterol 
• Skin Conditions  
• Breathing Problems 
• Sleep Problems 
• Gallstones, Fatty liver disease 
• Heartburn 

All of these can be very serious for children and can impact their overall life significantly. Not only can obesity affect you physically, but it can also lead to a variety of mental conditions such as depression, anxiety, and body image disorders such as bulimia.  

When communicating with your child about their weight, it is essential to be sensitive and to allow them to speak about themselves openly. To assist with your child, incorporate the entire family, organizing physical plans such as swimming or sports, and encouraging healthy eating habits. Other ways you can include the whole family include: 

• Minimizing TV and technology time. 
• Involving children in healthy cooking experiences.  
• Involving the whole family in sports and physical activities. 

To ensure that your child is eating healthy, remember to follow the dietary guidelines when preparing meals so that you know you are giving the best nutrients and vitamins to your children. The US dietary guidelines highlight the following areas and are quoted below: 

1. Follow a healthy eating pattern across the lifespan.  
2. Focus on variety, nutrient density, and amount.  
3. Limit calories from added sugars and saturated fats and reduce sodium intake.  
4. Shift to healthier food and beverage choices.  
5. Support healthy eating patterns for all.