According to the Center for Disease Control, the prevalence of childhood obesity has tripled in the past 30 years. Among children ages 6 to 11, the prevalence has risen from 6.5 percent to 19.6 percent. Many factors, including genetics and cultural, environmental and behavioral factors, such as eating habits and physical activity are thought to play a role in this increase. Encouragement of healthy eating habits and physical activity is the mainstay of treatment of childhood obesity.
Background
Obesity occurs when you take in more calories than you expend on a regular basis. A calculation known as a body mass index is used to determine whether a child is overweight or obese. As stated by MayoClinic.com, if the BMI for your child's age is between the 85th and 94th percentiles, she is considered overweight. If the same child's BMI is in the 95th percentile or above, she is classified as obese.
Function of Diet in Obesity
If your child does not participate in sports or is not physically active, his caloric requirements will be lower than a child who expends more calories. For this reason, diet is an important component of a treatment plan for childhood obesity. Eating behaviors of children are believed to play a critical role in the increase in childhood obesity. Only 22 percent of high school students report eating fruits and vegetables five or more times daily, and only 40 percent of children ages 2 to 17 consume the recommended amount of fiber, according to the CDC.
Features of Healthy Eating Habits
You can help your child by providing appropriate meals and encouraging healthy eating habits. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that children eat five fruits and vegetables per day, have breakfast daily and consume whole grains and low-fat dairy products such as skim milk and low-fat yogurt. Eating meals as a family and making sure that they aren't eaten in front of the television or computer can help to limit overeating. Finally, preparing food at home instead of eating take-out frequently helps to limit salt and fat intake.
Benefits
Adhering to a diet to prevent or treat obesity can help your child avoid the complications associated with obesity. Children who are obese are at a higher risk of suffering from adult disorders such as high cholesterol, high-blood pressure and type 2 diabetes. Additionally, asthma, joint problems and sleep apnea are more common among obese children. Children who are obese may have issues with low self-esteem, behavioral problems and depression, according to MayoClinic.com.
Considerations
Treating childhood obesity with diet can prevent life-long health complications, but it is also important to make sure that an obese child feels loved and valued. Encouraging physical activity that your child enjoys is recommended, as is frequent praise of your child's accomplishments. If your child has any issues with self-esteem or depression, enlisting a child psychiatrist to help with these concerns can be helpful.
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