Studies made by academics claim that more than 50% of kids who do not show signs of stoutness will become obese adults. This is alarming as obesity is no cakewalk! All responsible grownups have a compulsory obligation to help their kids. We do not want a generation of young people with non-communicable ailments like heart disease and Diabetes swaggering around.
Sirtravelalo/Shutterstock: Little girl holding a glass of water
Overview
The distressing numbers have interestingly come to a standstill. The curve has flattened into a straight line in the U.S., although the global curve keeps expanding. The first statement is excellent news, but there is still reason to be concerned, according to The New England Journal of Medicine.
Scientists are sure that more than half of young children in the U.S. today will be a victim of obesity by the age of 35. Several other studies suggest a robust possibility that the malady hits the majority of these kids at a young age.
Causes
Style of living, less physical activity, and high-calorie intake via sugary drinks, baked food, and vending machine goodiesare the main reasons for obesity and weight gain in your kids. However, recent investigations show the lack of digestive enzymes that cause a feeling of “fullness” as a risk factor.
Complications due to excessive weight gain would have a significant impact on public health at large. Imagine 50% of the population suffering from chronic diseases like High Cholesterol and High Blood Pressure. Nerve-racking indeed!
Muth, a member of the Executive Committee for the American Academy of Pediatrics Section, explains the vitality of parents teaching their children the smarts of controlling junk food intake and the skills of moderation from a very young age. According to Muth, the percentage of kids with severe childhood obesity keeps climbing too, and unfortunately, it will keep increasing.
What Else Can Be Done?
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Avoid Sugary Drinks Altogether
Doctors and experts identify the consumption of fizzy drinks; even sugary fruit juices may contribute to childhood obesity. Some pediatricians also warn parents against keeping such beverages in the fridge or even in the pantry!
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Provide Your Children with Balanced Meals
Mom enjoying kitchen time with toddler
It’s best if you could limit eating outside at fast-food restaurants. Instead, cook warm meals at home. A balanced meal must contain carbohydrates, proteins, vitamins, fats, and minerals in adequate amounts.
Try to learn about portions and serving sizes for kids concerning their age. Instead of stocking up on sweets, try having a variety of colorful fruits. Peaches, nectarines, plums, and oranges are tempting. You could even juice some fruit (without sugar) and celery with some ice for your children!
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Explain “Hunger Cues” to Your Kids
Some children snack out of pure boredom. If that is the case, help them engage in some physical activity and provide healthy snacks only when they are truly hungry.
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Physical Activity and Plenty of Sleep.
iStock: Man teaching kids exercises
Inculcate the desire to be out in the fresh air toengage in some physical activity for at least one hour daily is proven to be essential to prevent binge-eating. Their little minds and bodies also need plenty of sleep to grow, heal, and repair. It would be best to have a bedtime and to maintain regular sleeping hours. At least 8 hours of quality sleep is important.
It is natural for kids to be attracted to artificial foods, especially with the environment that we have today. Marketing schemes and colorful, attractive advertisements are at the peak. Try your best to have your family as a united front in avoiding all these harmful “nutrients.”
Health is the best wealth, and the vitality is understood only after it is gone. Do take care of those precious kids of yours, and let us reflex the curve for good!