Estimates of the number of children in the United States who are
either overweight or obese continue on the rise. This situation is even
more alarming in children than it is in adults. There is an increase in
the likelihood of complications for the simple reason that the child is
obese for a longer period of time than the adult.
Why are so many of our kids overweight? Several factors appear to come into play:
Causes:
Obese children are prone to physical and emotional complications:
Results:
Of significance is the fact that the longer a child is allowed to remain obese, the greater the likelihood of lifetime obesity. It is crucial that steps be taken as early as possible to intervene in the dietary habits of children.
What You Can Do:
It's not so "simple" however as putting the child on a diet. The child is still growing in terms of physical and neurological development.
One must be careful in interfering with metabolism unless there is a sound scientific foundation underlying all decisions pertaining to the food intake. The physician must be consulted so a plan may be constructed which will help the child to lose weight without compromising health.
While it is essential that "no harm be done", it will not hurt the child to begin a pattern of healthy eating (most likely the entire family will benefit from a new food lifestyle). No harm will come to the child from the following measures:
• three regular meals per day supplemented with healthful midmorning and mid-afternoon snacks (fruit, vegetables, nuts, reduced fat cheese, milk, whole wheat breads and cereals)
• a meal plate that is one-half fruits and vegetables, one-fourth protein, and one-fourth whole grain pasta or bread. (No second helpings please)
• elimination of sugar-sweetened beverages of all kind
• no "multi-tasking" while eating (computer, video, TV, texting).
And, get the child moving... games, sports, walking or any other moderate activity that will burn calories and rev up the metabolism
The first goal in helping the child to lose weight is to stop the gain. If the child doesn't gain one pound, you should look at that as weight loss of a pound.
Seek the assistance of your physician or call the local hospital to inquire about meeting with the dietitian. Ask if the hospital sponsors weight loss seminars.
Why are so many of our kids overweight? Several factors appear to come into play:
Causes:
- low birth weight
- maternal obesity during pregnancy
- maternal diabetes during pregnancy
- smoking during pregnancy
- limited or poor information about healthy eating
- peer pressure to indulge in high-calorie, high-fat foods and drinks
- poor dietary modeling
- low self-esteem
- social difficulties
Obese children are prone to physical and emotional complications:
Results:
- poor muscle and bone development
- sleep disturbances, such as sleep apnea
- pre-diabetic insulin resistance
- high cholesterol and triglycerides
- predisposition to chronic diseases as adults
Of significance is the fact that the longer a child is allowed to remain obese, the greater the likelihood of lifetime obesity. It is crucial that steps be taken as early as possible to intervene in the dietary habits of children.
What You Can Do:
It's not so "simple" however as putting the child on a diet. The child is still growing in terms of physical and neurological development.
One must be careful in interfering with metabolism unless there is a sound scientific foundation underlying all decisions pertaining to the food intake. The physician must be consulted so a plan may be constructed which will help the child to lose weight without compromising health.
While it is essential that "no harm be done", it will not hurt the child to begin a pattern of healthy eating (most likely the entire family will benefit from a new food lifestyle). No harm will come to the child from the following measures:
• three regular meals per day supplemented with healthful midmorning and mid-afternoon snacks (fruit, vegetables, nuts, reduced fat cheese, milk, whole wheat breads and cereals)
• a meal plate that is one-half fruits and vegetables, one-fourth protein, and one-fourth whole grain pasta or bread. (No second helpings please)
• elimination of sugar-sweetened beverages of all kind
• no "multi-tasking" while eating (computer, video, TV, texting).
And, get the child moving... games, sports, walking or any other moderate activity that will burn calories and rev up the metabolism
The first goal in helping the child to lose weight is to stop the gain. If the child doesn't gain one pound, you should look at that as weight loss of a pound.
Seek the assistance of your physician or call the local hospital to inquire about meeting with the dietitian. Ask if the hospital sponsors weight loss seminars.
Help overweight kids lose weight and gain self concept. My e-book
will lead you through the way to make it work for you, and your obese
child.
by Sue Bristol, R.N.
Here's the "Secret Weight Loss Diet" that virtually EVERY successful dieter uses
(Whether or not they are even aware of it!)
"Click Here" to get your Free e-book, which will give you the "Weight Loss Secret" Kids shouldn't be obese.
http://www.how-to-loseweight-101.com/index1.html
Article Source:
http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Sue_Bristolby Sue Bristol, R.N.
Here's the "Secret Weight Loss Diet" that virtually EVERY successful dieter uses
(Whether or not they are even aware of it!)
"Click Here" to get your Free e-book, which will give you the "Weight Loss Secret" Kids shouldn't be obese.
http://www.how-to-loseweight-101.com/index1.html
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