Parents-The Key to Your Child's Obesity
Peter Whittington
According to a 2007 report by the Trust for American's Health, approximately 25 million children ages of 6 to 17 in the United States are either overweight or obese. Child obesity is increasing and it is considered by many to be an epidemic in developed Western countries such as Australia, Canada England andthe United States.
Childhood obesity is a very real issue that is affecting millions of children each day and many parents do not realize how serious it is. Paediatricians are becoming concerned about health problems among children that were rare in the past and this can be attributed to the increasing rate of child obesity. Poor quality of life, poor self-esteem and impaired social skills as well as a myriad of health complications can also be attributed to the increase in child obesity.
When a person is more than 20 percent above their Ideal Body Weight (IBW), they are considered obese. Obesity can also be calculated using body mass index (BMI). For children, obesity is present when total body weight is more than 25 percent fat in boys and more than 32 percent fat in girls.
Troubles Caused from Obesity
Obesity is so dangerous because of the effect it has a broad range of other diseases. It increases their severity or causes them. It is also associated with high triglycerides and decreased HDL cholesterol, and is the major cause of type 2 diabetes. Insulin is the hormone that regulates blood sugar and obesity can cause insulin resistance.
Obesity is associated with significant increases in high cholesterol, coronary artery disease, hyperlipidemia, degenerative joint disease and psychosocial disability. Depression and problems of self image and with body dissatisfaction are also linked to obesity.
It is widely recognised to be a serious medical problem resulting in myriad distressing illnesses and is associated with increased mortality and morbidity (shortening life expectancy).
Child Obesity Problems
Research has shown that children who are obese or overweight often have weight problems when they grow up. They have a 70% chance of becoming overweight or obese adults. If obesity is not treated as a child, it can have a lifelong impact.
Obese children often suffer from teasing amongst their peers. Obese children also have increased average blood pressure, heart rate and cardiac output when compared to non-obese peers.
Obesity in childhood is known to be associated with abnormal indices of lipolysis, including high cholesterol levels (greater than 170 mg per dL). Being overweight affects school attendance as well, possibly leading to academic problems later.
What is the Solution?
Parents need to set a a positive example and be a role model to their children. They need to supply their children guidance on exercise and healthy eating. The cause of childhood obesity is usually eating too much and exercising too little. It has been discovered that obese children were 35% less active on school days and 65% less active on weekends compared to non-obese children. If children are taught to eat healthy foods and to get enough exercise, will enjoy life more.
Children are more likely to be obese at if one or both parents are obese. As children tend to eat what their parents eat, parents can also help their kids by addressing their own weight issues and modelling a healthy lifestyle that they'd like their children to emulate. Parents should also rid their kitchens of junk foods and act as role models by monitoring their eating habits and not eating what they ask their children not to eat.
The fact that parents rarely exercise is part of the problem of child obesity is as well.
Participate in fun backyard sports with your children and consider taking up a sport with them or one that you practised when young.
A child growing up in a stressful environment, such as one where the child's parents are having marital problems, mentally or physically abusing the child, can make a child turn to food for the only interest in life. He or she can easily overeat at that point, promoting obesity.
Parents also must be concerned enough to want to do something about solving their child's obesity. They can set rules for the home that help reinforce the healthy lifestyle.
The issue of childhood obesity needs to be tackled by parents to ensure that their children grow up to be happy and health adults. You need to set your children a good example on exercise and healthy eating. Dont't be lazy.
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