Childhood Obesity Awareness
by Journey to Health Program Director, Becky Anderson
September is a month dedicated to raising awareness of pediatric obesity. Here is some good information to know:
Childhood obesity is a growing problem in the US. This epidemic is compounded with the obvious fact that these are children. Not handling correctly can actually do more harm than good. So let’s look at risk factors, complications as well as prevention when it comes to childhood obesity.
Risk factors include:
- Genetic and hormonal factors.
- Food access.
- Stress.
- Sleep.
- Social and economic factors.
- Eating and physical activity habits.
Complications include:
- Type II Diabetes
- High cholesterol and high blood pressure
- Joint pain
- Breathing issues
- Social and mental health issues
Ideas for prevention include:
- Setting a good example–Make healthy eating and regular physical activity a family affair. Everyone benefits and no one feels singled out.
- Offer balanced meals and healthy snacks daily
- Keep offering new, healthy foods
- Support a healthy relationship with junk food
- Limit screen time
- Have non-food related rewards for making positive changes
- Make sure your child gets enough sleep
Keep up with regular physicals with your pediatrician
Making some of these changes may seem cumbersome, but these kids are worth it. Once positive changes are made, they can be rewarding for the whole family.
