Obesity is usually measured by the upper arm skinfold measurement and is described as excessive body fatness. Those over the 85th percentile are categorized as obese, while the group over the 95th percentile are superobese. Super obesity has increased tremendously over the past years.
Research shows that obese children spend more time doing comfortable, minimal energy consuming activities watching television, reading, and playing video games than any other group of children. If you have a young child or an adolescent who fits this picture , what are you doing about it ? What is your child doing about it ?
Obesity definitely does have its downside as far as health is concerned. There is a strong association between childhood and adolescent obesity and cardiovascular disease ,especially hypertension and its complications. Coughs and colds are more frequent , and respiratory diseases may impact obese children and youth though sleep apnea syndrome and later, the effects of chronic low oxygenation of the blood and other breathing problems and respiratory infections.
What Can Be Done for a child who is Obese or Overweight?
Acknowledge that there is a problem with your child's weight - and read about healthy food preparation and eating practices. Become informed. Do not follow fad diets, and do not limit the variety of foods eaten.
Talk to your child about his or her problem with love and support and offer help - Gently take charge of the situation with his or her permission. Help can come from you, your doctor, or dietitian. A psychologist may be able to give your family counseling as a unit, or you may prefer to consult a marriage counselor and so take the first step in helping your child.
Buy healthy foods - Do not be tempted to fill your cupboards with convenience foods high in fast and sugars. Provide balanced meals, and serve portions that suit the needs of each family member. Provide alternative low calorie foods, if necessary, for snacking.
Involve your child in more activities - Take things gently at first. Make some fundamental rules regarding the time to be spent watching television, and involve the family in physical activities that your child and you will enjoy. Keep a record of your child's weight and encourage the venture. Reward him or her for even small steps of success.
If you are overweight, nothing is better than being a good example. Work together on the problem. Be your child's buddy
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