Childhood obesity is increasing in America at an alarming rate. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDCP), the percentage of children ages 2 to 5 has increased from 5 percent to 12.4 percent since 1980 and from 6.5 percent to 17 percent in children ages 12 to 19. Obesity puts these children at heightened risk for type 2 diabetes, cholesterol problems, heart disease and other complications throughout their lives. Though obesity is typically caused by lack of physical activity and excessive food consumption, it also involves emotional and behavioral factors that must be treated in order for a child to reach and maintain successful recovery.
Healthy Eating
A healthy diet is a crucial part of maintaining healthy weight and reducing symptoms of obesity. According to the Mayo Clinic, much of this responsibility lies in the hands of parents, who purchase and provide food for their children. Parents of obese children should make efforts to establish healthy habits for the entire family, rather than for merely the obese child. If your child is obese, make efforts to educate yourself and your family on healthy eating habits. Increase the amount of fruits and vegetables in your family's diet and replace most processed, white flour-based breads, cereals, pasta and snack foods with whole grain equivalents. Encourage your child to drink water rather than sugary soft drinks and keep high-calorie treats, such as ice cream and potato chips, to a minimum. Forcing your child to eat healthy foods is generally not effective. Instead, aim to make healthy eating fun and involve your child in shopping and preparing healthy foods.
Physical Activity
Exercise is another essential component of preventing and treating obesity and is crucial toward long-term wellness. The Mayo Clinic suggests limiting time spent watching television or playing video games and placing emphasis on physical activities your child enjoys. Seek a variety of physical activities and implement activities your child enjoys and excels at. Since many obese children suffer from poor body image and low self esteem, sports and other activities that empower a child to depend upon his or her body for strength and energy rather than focuses on body shape or size are encouraged. As with healthy eating, physical activity should become a part of your entire family's lifestyle. Increase the intensity of physical activities gradually, as it takes time for obese individuals to gain strength and physical abilities. According to the CDCP, children should reap at least 60 minutes of physical activity per day for optimum health.
Behavioral Therapy
Emotional and behavioral troubles contribute to obesity in children. Children may have learned to depend upon food and eating as unhealthy coping mechanisms. Thus, therapy that encourages children to acquire healthier means of coping, such as improving communication skills and talking about difficult emotions and experiences, can prove helpful. According to childhood obesity expert, Erica Lesperance, RD, LD, of the Diet Channel, effective behavioral therapy for obese children should involve specific, reasonable goals and should encourage children to progress in small, gradual steps. If your child is struggling with obesity, seek guidance from qualified professionals. Staying in regular contact and communicating openly with your doctor, dietitian and/or therapist offers your child the best chance of full and long-term success.
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