Effective techniques to Eradicate Child Obesity.

Introduction

Child obesity rates have doubled in the last decade. The Center For Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that around 12.5 million children between the ages of two and nine are obese.

This is a worrying trend considering the adverse impacts that obesity has on children such as putting them at risk of developing medical issues like high blood pressure, coronary heart ailment and type 2 diabetes. Other medical complications related to obesity in children include bone and joint disease, sleep apnea, stroke and gallbladder disease.

Exercise & Food

Children require exercise for a healthy body and need to consume healthy and wholesome foods in order to maintain a normal body weight. For child obesity to be reduced significantly, it is necessary to help not only obese children lose weight but also prevent new child obesity cases.

Integration of Physical Exercises and Nutrition Classes into School Curriculum Including physical exercises in the school curriculum will go a long way in ensuring that children are active physically. This will help obese children burn excess fats while also assisting other kids in maintaining a normal body weight. Teaching children the importance of healthy eating will assist them in choosing to eat healthy foods instead of junk food and unhealthy snacks that are a favorite of many school-going kids.

Children are in the formative years of their life hence, any habit imparted on them at this age is likely to become part of their lifestyle. Therefore, the long-term effect of integrating physical exercises and nutrition classes into the school curriculum is having adults who are aware of how to keep their weight in check.

START AT HOME

Sensitize Parents on the Importance Healthy Family Meals and Portion ControlParents have the important role of ensuring that their children consume a balanced diet at home. Parents should lead by example by preparing healthy meals at home and exercising portion control.

Charity begins at home, therefore, the feeding habits that a child adopts are dependent on what the child sees in the home environment. Instead of stocking soft drinks and snacks loaded with sugar at home, parents should substitute these with fresh fruits and vegetables.

CONCLUSION

Child obesity rates are increasing at an alarmingly high rate and it is the collective responsibility of the entire society to resolve this worrying issue quickly. The media, parents, teachers and the government should spread the message of exercise for a healthy body and also create awareness on the importance of healthy eating habits.