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CHILDHOOD OBESITY

CHILDHOOD OBESITY IS WHEN A CHILD HAS TOO MUCH BODY FAT. THIS CAN CAUSE MANY HEALTH PROBLEMS.

WHAT IS OBESITY?
Obesity is when a person weighs more than what is normal for his or her age, sex, and height. Regular check-ups with your child's doctor can help you -to find out if your child's weight is normal.

WHAT CAUSES CHILDHOOD OBESITY?

  • Overeating
  • Not getting enough exercise;
  • Eating disorders; and/or
  • Hormonal or genetic problems

WHAT PROBLEMS ARE RELATED TO CHILDHOOD OBESITY?

  • Increased risk of diabetes, high blood pressure, gall bladder disease, and high cholesterol
  • Bowing of legs and pain in the hip joint (due to having too much weight on the bones and joints)
  • Bad headaches
  • Skin problems
  • Depression, poor self esteem
  • Daytime sleepiness or–trouble breathing during sleep; and/or increased risk of heart disease as adults.

TIPS FOR PREVENTING OBESITY IN CHILDREN:

  • Respect your child's appetite. Children do not need to finish every bottle or meal
  • Stay away from prepared 2nd sugared foods when possible
  • Eat better: try to eat a variety of foods, Eat whole gains, vegetables,
  • fruits, and lean meats. Learn how to choose more nutritious meals that are lower in fat.
  • Limit the amount of high-calorie foods kept in the home;
  • Provide enough fiber in 1he child's diet
  • Skim milk may safely replace whole Milk at2 years of age;
  • Do not provide food for comfort or as a reward;
  • Do not offer sweets in exchange for a finished meal;
  • Limit-the amount of television viewing
  • Encourage active play, and/or Establish regular family activities Iike walks, ball games, and other outdoor activities.

TREATMENT FOR CHILDHOOD OBESITY:

  • Talk to your child's doctor about treating obesity
  • Set realistic weight loss goats. Goals should be small at first so the child does not get discouraged.
  • If the child is old enough to write, then the child should keep a food record to include -the type and amount of food eaten and where and when it was eaten.
  • Begin an exercise program, A realistic goal is 20 to 30-ininiiites of moderate activity per day,
  • Make healthy eating and regular exercise a goal for the entire family.