Obesity among children is on the rise. In recent years, the number of overweight children worldwide has skyrocketed. Approximately 10% of four and five-year-old children are overweight, double the rate from 20 years ago.
Obesity is more common in girls than boys and more prevalent in older preschoolers (ages 4-5) than in younger preschoolers (ages 2-3). Obesity rates among children rise even further as they grow older. At least one child in every five between the ages of 6 and 11 is overweight. This figure has more than doubled in the last two decades.
Most children are overweight due to bad eating habits (too many calories) and insufficient physical activity. Because these habits are formed in childhood, attempts to prevent obesity should begin at a young age.
Determining whether a child is obese
Parents should not make dietary modifications for their children based entirely on their impressions of their child’s obesity. Every preschooler has a unique body shape and growth trend. Obesity in children is difficult to assess because youngsters grow in unpredictable spurts. Only a health care professional should perform so, using the child’s height and weight in relation to his previous growth history.
Avoid restrictive diets
Most young children’s bodies are still growing and developing. Therefore restrictive diets are not a good idea. Overweight children should not be put on a diet unless supervised by a professional for medical reasons. A restricted diet may not provide enough energy and minerals for appropriate growth and development. The goal for most very young children should be to retain their current weight while they grow normally in height.
How to help your child if they are overweight
Following these suggestions can aid in promoting health, preventing obesity, and reducing the risk of chronic diseases.
Parents and caregivers can aid in preventing childhood obesity by providing nutritious meals and snacks, encouraging daily physical activity, and offering nutrition information. Healthy meals and snacks nourish growing bodies while also modelling healthy eating habits and attitudes. Increased physical exercise lowers health risks and aids in weight loss. Nutrition education assists young children in developing a lifetime understanding of proper nutrition and healthy eating habits.
- Children can be encouraged to adopt good eating habits and to engage in physical activity when their parents:
- Concentrate on your children’s overall health rather than a specific weight loss objective. Teach and model healthy and positive attitudes toward eating and physical activity while avoiding the use of body weight as a motivator. Involve the entire family in the effort to gradually modify the family’s physical activity and eating habits.
- Set daily meal and snack times, and eat together as much as possible.
- Reduce your child’s intake of high-calorie, low-nutrient foods. Assist children in understanding that sweets and high-fat snacks (such as chocolate, cookies, or cake) are not commonplace foods. However, do not deprive your children of occasional treats. This may increase their proclivity to overeat.
- Foods should not be labelled as “good” or “bad.” In moderation, all foods can be part of a healthy diet.
- Involve your children in meal planning, buying, and preparation. Use these activities to learn about children’s food preferences, teach them about nutrition, and encourage them to try new foods.
- Make the most of your children’s snack time. Snacking incessantly may lead to overeating. Plan healthful snacks for particular times of the day.
- Limit the amount of time your children spend watching television, playing video games, and using computers to 1 to 2 hours each day. Reducing inactive activities encourages more physical activity.
