Our children are getting fatter

The number of overweight children in the USA has increased by almost 300% in the last 20 years.

Hypertension, or high blood pressure and high cholesterol are occurring more often in overweight children. And type 2 diabetes, previously most commonly found in obese or overweight women and men, has increased alarmingly in children.

The chances are that nearly three-quarters of fat children or teens will be overweight when they become adults. And the odds are even higher if one or both parents are overweight too.

The risks associated with excess weight are well known, and include high blood pressure, diabetes (type 2), heart disease and cancer.

But there is another factor that is seldom considered, and has perhaps an even greater effect on the mental attitude of the child. Overweight children are often discriminated against socially, leading to depression or low self esteem.

Why are some people overweight and others aren’t?

We’ve all seen it. Some people can eat as much as they like, and they never seem to change weight at all. Others seem to add ponds every day. So what are the causes of obesity?

There are two main causes of obesity in children…

• Eating unhealthy food and/or an excess of food
• Little or no physical activity

The lifestyles of children have changed dramatically over the past quarter century. Instead of playing outdoors, more and more children sit around playing computer games or watching TV.

Nearly half of our children watch over Two hours of TV every day and many children become less active as they become teens.\

Is your child’s weight healthy?

If you think your child is overweight, and particularly if there are other risk factors involved, get them checked out by your doctor. He will help you determine the BMI or Body Mass Index of your child and help you determine whether you should do something about it. Let’s face it, though, if you think your child is overweight, he or she probably is!

Weight and height are used to calculate the BMI, or Body Mass Index, which is used to calculate whether someone is overweight.

Overweight children need moral support

Most important of all, children need the love and support of their parents, friends and siblings. They can often feel embarrassed by the weight and looks, which leads to low self esteem and under-performance in their studies and general attitude to life.

Encourage them to live a healthy life, getting some exercise, sticking to a healthy and balanced diet, avoiding junk food. Of Course, children follow the habits of the parents, so you can’t carry on eating badly and expect them to eat healthy. You have to set the example. If you are obese, or overweight, you have to show them that you are making the effort too. In fact, this can work to your advantage. Make it a fun thing, a friendly competition to see who can lose the most weight over a set period.

Exercise for a healthy body and a healthy mind

Start a family exercise programme where you play games together, or go for a jog together. And it doesn’t have to be for long. Did you know that jet fighter pilots are only required to run two miles every day? Two miles is not that much. If you can’t run at first, walk the two miles, slowly at first, and increasing to a brisk walk as soon as you feel ready. Then move on to jogging when you can. Don’t force it. You’ll be amazed at what a little exercise can do for your mental attitude too. There’s a great sense of achievement, and you children will love it after a week or two.

Fitness specialists recommend that children should get about an hour of light physical activity a few days a week, while adults should get a half-hour. For younger children, this should be easy. Normal playing around the garden or house is fine. Older children or teens may be more of a challenge as their “activities” are often mare sedentary – watching TV or video games.

A healthy diet and exercise can work wonders. But of course along with that, a healthy dose of self discipline is also needed. It’s no good trying to stick to a good diet and exercise, then crashing off every few days with piles of fatty hamburgers or pizzas. Rather sign up for a recognized weight loss program. You’ll be amazed how your discipline increases when you’ve spent money!

Elsewhere on this site we revue a number of weight-loss and fat loss programs that are worth looking at.