Weight Loss Surgeon
Healthy Lifestyle in Early Childhood Vital to Manage the Risk of Obesity
The risk of obesity can be avoided in early childhood
Obese or even overweight children are more prone to becoming obese adults. A healthy lifestyle in early childhood is vital to manage the risk of obesity. And obese adults are surrounded by a host of health issues. Unlike an asthma attack or diarrhoea, which signal the need for doctor-intervention, obesity doesn’t give out strong signals of health that is at stake. It slowly builds up and tags with it a variety of health concerns.
For instance, Obesity Service in Children’s Health in Ireland says, liver disease is one of the silent and distressing conditions linked to childhood obesity. Cardiovascular diseases, insulin resistance, musculoskeletal disorders, hormonal issues, some cancers are ailments that slowly start building.
According to the 2016 report of WHO, 41 million children under the age of 5 were obese. Over 340 million children & adolescents were either overweight or obese.
When we look deep into the causes of overweight & obesity in children across the world, apart from genetic & environmental factors, unhealthy eating patterns and a sedentary lifestyle, right from the beginning are the culprits.
Preventing childhood obesity involves a combination of healthy diet, encouraging regular physical activity and an overall healthy lifestyle. Here are some tips for parents.
1. Promoting a balanced diet
Parents must be watchful of the food their child consumes. Children tend to feel full sooner but the kind of nutrition they are deriving from the food should be regularly monitored. Whole grains, lean proteins, fresh fruits and vegetables should become a norm from a young age. It is also important to limit the intake of sugary beverages, processed snacks, and high-calorie, low-nutrient foods.
2. Lifestyle/Activity
Modern-day kids have a rather sedentary lifestyle. They are naturally hooked to television or electronic gadgets and do not get enough physical exercise. Also, a majority of the advertisements for unhealthy foods entice and allure them into buying/and consuming them. Important thing for parents to understand is, kids follow examples rather than instructions. It is important for parents to set examples of daily exercise, creating a healthy and positive attitude towards food, eating together, chewing slowly, and enjoying the food on the plate. Developing a system of mindful eating in childhood will make them healthier adults.
3. Sleep
Sleep time is another crucial factor. Researches show adequate sleep is essential in early childhood for ideal weight gain and to control weight in later childhood. A study conducted in Italy between 2016-17 reported that regular sleep schedule decreases obesity risks in both children & adults. Children aged 5-9 years with unhealthy eating habits and who sleep for less than 10 hours, run a two-fold risk of turning obese compared to the kids who sleep for longer hours.
The study further indicates, sleep irregularities influence eating habits & physical activity, both of which contribute to obesity. Sleep-deprived individuals do not expend as much energy as their fully rested peers, rendering them less active & leading to weight gain.
4. Educate children about nutrition
It is also the responsibility of parents to educate children about the importance of making healthy choices and how choosing healthier foods can impact their health and life in the long run. Involving children in meal preparation and grocery shopping is a good way to empower them to make better choices.
5. Create a positive environment
Parents should openly talk to children and monitor their behavioral and emotional stability. This is important as certain emotional conditions can lead to binge eating and other eating-related disorders. Parents should absolutely avoid using food as a reward or a punishment. They should encourage a positive body image and self-esteem and avoid negative comments about weight.
If parents see any concern in terms of weight gain in their children, it is important to consult with healthcare professionals and pediatricians at an early stage for a personalized advice based on the child’s specific needs and health status.
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