Fighting obesity in children is one of the main battles for parents around the world. It is also an objective of the public policies of many governments that has not yet been eradicated.
In the 21st century, obesity in children represents one of the most serious problems in world public health , said a report presented in 2016 by the Commission to end childhood obesity of the World Health Organization (WHO) .
There are many factors that intervene in this situation. If
it is also your particular struggle, we advise you to take it easy, because the
important thing is to help the little one. Talking to him and explaining the
problem is ideal.
How to fight obesity in children?
According to this information from the World Health
Organization , there are 41 million overweight children in the world . This
data has awakened the alarms of the health authorities. Although it requires an
urgent solution, fighting obesity in children is a process that requires time.
It is important to establish good eating habits
and do physical activity. Added to the knowledge and information, they
make up the ideal formula to combat obesity.
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Why is obesity a problem for the health of children?
Obesity can lead to different complications . Some common
diseases of adulthood begin to appear quickly and children's quality of life
deteriorates as time progresses.
Among them, as this information from the International Heart
Foundation - Argentina (FIC Argentina) points out, we can mention the
following:
Cardiovascular diseases : caused by high cholesterol levels
and high blood pressure.
Type 2 diabetes : In children and adolescents, this disease
is devastating, as severe dietary restrictions begin, sugar resistance
develops, and kidney disease begins.
Hepatic steatosis : it is a high concentration of fat in the
liver. As evidenced by the Spanish Society of Out-of-hospital Pediatrics and
Primary Care , in Europe, it is the most common pediatric liver disease.
Sleep apnea : this is a respiratory problem where there is
an interruption of breathing for a few seconds while sleeping.
Asthma : This disease blocks the airways and hinders the
normal breathing process.
Social risks
Psychosocial risks begin with discrimination on the part of
the people who surround the child in the spaces where it usually operates.
According to this information provided by the Center for Disease Control and
Prevention , overweight little ones become the object of ridicule that can
produce
Psychological stress
Social stigmatization .
Low self - esteem .
Academic problems.
Conflicts with their peers.
Working at home is important to fight obesity
After consulting the specialist, showing empathy to your child
and explaining the consequences that are generated by obesity, work at home
comes. In this regard, we must bear in mind that t odo begins by example . So, fighting
obesity in children is a team effort.
If your little one needs to eat healthy, do it too. If he
needs to do physical exercise, accompany him, stop being sedentary and show him
the importance of exercising to stay healthy and help prevent and treat
childhood obesity, as evidenced by this study published in the journal Hospital
Nutrition . Teach him healthy habits and share them. The whole family should
set an example with their lifestyle .
Balance calories
The diet to lose weight should be guided by a specialist .
Remember that the goal is for your child to find his ideal weight, without interfering
with his growth and development process.
In addition to losing weight, the importance of eating
healthy should be taught. Prepare more striking versions of your favorite
dishes, with more greens and vegetables and less sugar and refined flours. You
can apply the following:
Include low-fat dairy products with no added sugars.
Add protein, such as lean meats, fish, poultry, and legumes.
Offer fruits for lunches and snacks.
Use whole grains .
Eliminate products with saturated fat.
Avoid sodas and sugary drinks .
Serve portionwise on small plates.
It may interest you: What are the most common causes of
childhood obesity?
Observation is important
As responsible parents, it is important to be attentive to
all the processes that the child goes through . Observe their growth and try to
detect in time if the little one can become obese.
If this is the case, consult the specialist and introduce
the necessary changes. Children need support, so teach your child how
meaningful each step is in achieving the goal of losing weight.
Fighting and preventing obesity in children is possible , provided that all members of the family are willing to do their part to reach the goal. What are you waiting for to get down to work and lead by example?
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