Managing Your Child's Weight
Childhood Obesity Epidemic Takes Its Toll
Dieting is usually off-limits for children, but there are strategies for dealing with an overweight child.
A report released by the Trust for America's Health showed that almost 30 percent of adults in Mississippi are obese, but Mississippi isn't the only state affected by the epidemic. In twelve other states, one in four adults is obese. It is becoming painfully clear that the obesity epidemic is worsening, despite the wide spread media attention, and it's not just adults who are suffering.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that 15 percent of six- to- nine- year olds in the U.S. were overweight in 2000, up from 11 percent in 1998. Overweight children are at a high risk of becoming overweight adults, and they are more likely to suffer from obesity-related conditions like Type II diabetes and hypertension.
Parenting an overweight child presents unique challenges. Dieting is usually not recommended for children, except in the most severe cases of obesity, so many parents aren't sure how to help their children achieve and maintain a healthy weight. There are some things parents can do to help their child get healthier without dieting.
Play More
Exercise doesn't have to be in the form of a regimented work out. Limit TV, computer and video game time and encourage your child to be active. Bike riding is a fun activity that gets the heart pumping and the body moving, and the whole family can enjoy it together. Team sports like soccer, baseball and softball can also provide much-needed exercise and give overweight kids a chance to be a part of a team, which can boost their self-esteem.
Provide Healthier Snacks
Sugared soft drinks and high-fat snack foods contribute to the high number of overweight children in the U.S. Instead of bringing home soda, chips and snack cakes, try bringing home fruit, low-fat yogurt, baked chips, raisins and fat free puddings. Children will often eat what is available, so make sure the snacks you have on hand are healthy.
Pack Your Child's Lunch
School lunch programs have come a long way since the days of mystery meat, but much of what is on the menu is still laden with fat, salt and sugar. Sit down with you child and go over the upcoming menus and plan to pack a healthy lunch on days when the cafeteria fare is less than healthy. Good choices include a turkey sandwich on wheat bread, raisins, baked chips and bottled water.
Losing weight is hard for an adult, but for a child it can be excruciating. Provide lots of emotional support to your child during the process and set a great example by eating well and exercising. You and your child will both be healthier and happier.
