Obesity is a common health issue that is defined by having a high percentage of body fat. A body mass index (BMI) of 30 or higher is an indicator of obesity.
There are simply too many reasons for the increasing obesity being observed in kids these days. One of the biggest reasons is the lack of adequate physical activity — running around, games which push the body to do more as they require not simply a quick eye but fleetness of foot, and a lithe body which can twist and turn easily. The other major reason is the switch to fast foods which are as dangerous for health as they are tasty and convenient.
The solution: healthy eating habits. Eat a variety of vegetables, fruits, and grains daily. Make sure to eat many different colors of veggies and fruits to get a wide variety of nutrients.
- Eat mostly lean meat for protein, like fish, chicken, and turkey.
- Drink lots of water and avoid juices and sodas containing excess sugar.
- Limit the intake of foods and snacks with excess sugar. Read labels before you buy.
- Remove snacks and foods containing excess sugar from your home to eliminate temptation!
- Avoid eating a lot of processed foods and eat fresh foods as much as possible.
Top 6 Ways To Prevent Obesity In Kids
Encourage eating slowly and only when hungry
Overeating can happen if you eat when you’re not hungry. This excess fuel eventually becomes stored as body fat and can lead to obesity. Encourage your child to eat only when they feel hungry and to chew more slowly for better digestion.
Limit unhealthy foods in the household
If you bring unhealthy foods into the household, your child may be more likely to eat them. Try to stock the fridge and pantry with healthy foods, and allow less-healthy snacks as a rare “treat” instead.
Let food just be fuel for the body.
Don’t turn it into a reward or save certain things to be special treats.
Create an environment of activity.
Exercise is the other core component of a healthy lifestyle. Kids need at least an hour of physical activity every single day to help balance out their calorie consumption. Exercise has benefits beyond weight management, decreasing blood pressure, strengthening bones, and improving mental health.
De-emphasize body shape and weight.
Encourage kids to love and accept their bodies unconditionally. Teach them to honor other people and not tease or make fun of others who are fat.
Love them unconditionally
Love them unconditionally and don’t make derogatory comments about their looks or weight and never get started on the damaging cycle of dieting and bingeing.
