The National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey reports that an estimated 17 percent of children ages 2 to 18 years of age are obese. These children are more likely to be obese adults and carry with them the added risk of heart disease, stroke and diabetes, among other diseases. Making healthy lifestyle choices with and for children will help get them on the weight loss track and help to decrease their risk of potential life threatening conditions.
Kids and Adult Diets
KidsHealth.org answers the question regarding safety of kids and adult diets, stating that kids have different nutritional needs as they grow and enter puberty than an adult does. Putting a child on a diet intended for an adult may have negative nutritional and health consequences and should not be done.
High Blood Pressure
As obesity and overweight issues are plaguing kids, high blood pressure seems to be among the potential complications of excess weight. The Medline Plus website reports that a study done at the Indiana University School of Medicine showed that even a small reduction in weight can lower blood pressure in overweight children. High blood pressure can be a precursor to such problems as heart disease, stroke and diabetes.
Stick to the Basics
Helping kids to lose weight may seem overwhelming. Sticking to the basics can help. Nemours Health and Prevention Services in Delaware has developed a plan called 5-2-1-Almost None to help parents and kids with the task of losing weight and getting healthy. This daily plan includes five servings of fruits and vegetables, only two hours of screen time, one hour of exercise and almost no sugary drinks, defined as sports drinks, sodas, sweetened teas, non-100-percent juice and coffee drinks. By following this plan, kids and families may begin to see a change in their weight.
Kids Who Don't Like Sports
Engaging kids in sports and after school athletic opportunities is one way to help them reach their exercise needs. If a child doesn't want to engage in sport, it may be more challenging to get them to exercise. Asking kids why they don't like sports may help in identifying things a parent can do to help get them engaged. Some kids don't like team activities, so signing them up for running, swimming, skating or karate may be an option. Other kids don't like the competitive atmosphere of sports. There are many leagues in many sports that support different levels of participation, and many recreational leagues require equal play time for all participants. If sports aren't for them, engage kids in hiking, walking, bike riding or other family activities to meet their exercise goals.
Be a Good Role Model
Modeling healthy lifestyle choices for kids is one of the most important ways to influence the decisions and choices they make. When parents turn off the TV, exercise at a gym, go for a run or eat healthy well balanced meals, it encourages their children to do the same.
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