Childhood Obesity

Fat, chubby, cuddly babies, everyone wants them. Leaner babies, have always been considered as non-healthy babies. 'Fatten them', 'feed more', 'use butter and more sweets', and finally, 'give them whatever they want, at least they are eating'. Give them whatever they want, has become more of a bane than boon, for most children.

Childhood Obesity is not just puppy fat, as most parents believe. When body fat starts to accumulate in the body, it leads to obesity. It is measured, using Body Mass Index (BMI), that considers height, weight and sex of the child. For children under the age of two, it's difficult to determine overweight or obesity. However, an eye on their development and growth can go along way in preventing obesity.

The Center on Aging Society reports that almost one-quarter of the U.S. population age 2 to 17 is obese. The most common cause of obesity is physical inactivity and consumption of high-calorie food, mainly in-between snacks. Childhood obesity has severe health and well-being consequences. They are prone to develop some of the following disorders:

• Health disorders such as, type-2 diabetes, heart diseases, infertility, cancer and dermatological disorders.
• Emotional disorder resulting in low self-esteem, depression and eating disorders.
• Social disorder as avoidance of public gatherings and meetings, fear of ridicule.
• Childhood obesity will mostly lead to adult obesity and its associated illness and disorders.

Childhood obesity can be easily managed with help, from the family, medical practitioners and support groups. The simple concept of 'energy in' and 'energy out',can be followed for achieving better results. It means our dietary intake should be released in form of physical activity. Here are a few simple tips:

Maintain Healthy Weight

• The adage, 'Breakfast is the most important meal of the day', holds true.
• Losing weight should not be about skipping meals.
• Ensure only healthy foods in the house.
• Add a variety of vegetables in your salads.
• Add more fruits, instead of high-calorie sweets.
• Minimize storage of 'snack food'.
• Your cooking medium should be low fat.
• Grilling, baking and steaming should replace frying.
• Organic and whole grain foods provide better nutrition.
• Avoid storing soft drinks and concentrated fruit juices, instead get them to drink water.
• Involve the child, if old enough in menu preparations.
• Emphasize repeatedly, on the importance of nutrition in a diet.
• Eliminate harmful food gradually, by replacing them with nutritious meals. When shopping, read labels carefully for the ingredients used. According to Dr. Jennifer Bourst, "If you can't pronounce the ingredients listed on the label, then you don't want it in your body."

Active Family, Healthy Family

• Activity need not always be strenuous.
• Make playtime fun and routine.
• Go for family walks.
• Gift a bicycle to your child.
• Develop interest for sports in your children.
• Introduce them to gardening.
• Have them help in household chores.
• Limit TV and computer time, as they are the biggest culprits of obesity.

Excuses of genes, big bones or slow metabolism as causes of obesity, are common. But they are mostly Myths. A restrictive diet, on your own account, to combat obesity is not healthy for a growing child. Work with your doctor to ensure a healthy life for your child.

Sometimes, it's just about saying 'No' to harmful foods, never mind the tantrum.