9 Practical Tips on How to Help Your Kids Keep a Healthy Weight
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Childhood obesity is a problem that is getting more rampant, according to statistics.
Obesity, the state of having too much body fat to the extent that it threatens one’s health, is no longer a condition that exclusively affects adults.
According to the CDC, childhood obesity has more than tripled in the past 30 years. Among children aged 6 to 11 years, obesity increased from 6.5% in 1980 to 19.6% in 2008. The increase of obesity among adolescents aged 12 to 19 years went from 5.0% to 18.1%.
A study in 2001 also revealed that obesity in children is increasing worldwide.
Risks of Childhood Obesity
Obese children weigh more than what is considered within the normal range, and healthy for their height. They often consume a lot of sugary, high caloric foods and spend much of their time inactive, watching TV or playing video games, instead of playing outdoors and getting enough physical exercise.
When kids are overweight, they have an increased risk of various diseases. In addition, The New York Times reports that childhood obesity doubles the likelihood of early or premature death before age 55.
How Your Kids Can Beat Obesity
If your kids are obese, they need your help to overcome this condition. Through lifestyle changes like those listed below, you can help them reach a normal healthy weight.
Dr. Joseph Mercola, a leading natural health expert, recommends that you do take these steps to help your child reach or maintain a healthy weight:
- Switch off the TV, computer, and video games. Encourage your family to limit TV time so it does not interfere with healthy physical outdoor activities
- Fit exercise into your family’s schedule. Be active as a family – take brisk walks and play sports together.
- Prepare nutritious meals for your family. A healthy diet is crucial to your kids’ health. Give them whole, fresh, and healthy foods to eat.
- Avoid buying/storing junk food. As much as possible, don’t let your kids eat processed foods like potato chips, French fries, and cookies.
- Refrain from drinking soda and juice. As a healthier option, give them pure, clean water instead.
- Eat together as a family. Studies have shown that family mealtimes help kids stay away from smoking, drinking, and drugs.
- Reward your children with kind words instead of candies or sweets. Doing this step can help keep your children from getting hooked on sugar.
- Support your child’s brain function and overall health with Krill Oil supplements. Krill oil provides your kids with essential nutrients like DHA, choline, and other nutrients that help improve cognitive function, concentration and focus.
- Maintain a healthy weight yourself. Parents are the best role models for their children. If you overcome your food cravings and keep a healthy weight, your children are more likely to follow as well.
Consider these easy tips to help your children fight obesity and ensure their optimal health.
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I agreed that parents should be good role models because they passed down their lifestyle to their kids.
[...] Childhood obesity is a growing epidemic in the U.S. It accounts for 17 percent of children and adolescents aged 2-19 years, based on the 2007-2008 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES). [...]