Obesity In Kids
Today obesity is one of major disease faced all over the world. It is increasing at any alarming rate no only amongst the elders but childrens as well. There is a need to take concrete steps to control this disease which is threatening to take the form of an epidemic.Many people consider it healthy to give rich food with lots of cream and butter to their children. Little do they realize that they are destroying the health of their children. Obesity means an excess amount of body fat. We often pass of child obesity as cute. However, there is a thin line between being cute and obese. A boy is officially obese if his body weight is more than 28% fat and for girls its 30%.There are various reasons of being obese like genetic or having wrong eating habits. Those with a family history of being obese should be extra careful with their children.Childhood obesity is a cause for concern and need timely intervention to avoid future health problems like diabetes, high B.P, heart problems etc. Obesity also affects child’s self esteem and it can lead to lack of confidence and personality development. Physicians generally diagonose obesity in kids by checking the body mass index (BMI).Cases of obesity were not so common in the past but today with the change in life style it is rising alarmingly. With the advent of electronic gadgets like video games, children have taken up this new technology in a big way. Their physical activity has diminished.Obesity can be treated by regular exercise, changes in the diet and including lots of fresh fruits and vegetables in the diet. Reducing intake of fats and replacing unhealthy snacks and cold drinks with healthy fat free snacks and diet coke can go a long way in reducing obesity.Following few simple tips like having regular meals in pleasant environment with no disturbance like television also helps in maintaining proper weight. If the child is depressed because of being overweight then parents should help him/her in building self esteem. Parents should try to reduce the time children are sitting in front of the television and encourage games which involves physical activities such as running which will help them burn extra calories. They should also try to encourage children to do cycling, swimming and taking part in sports in schools. Parents should have weight to height tables with them in order to note down the physical progess of their child. Such table provides correct combination of height and weight depending upon the age.Parents should set an example by being active themselves. Remember children always imitate their parents. It has been noticed that in some families obese people force themselves to starve or go for a diet course without taking any professional help. Such type of adventure should always be avoided. These tips should be followed by all the members of the family irrespective of whether they are obese or not.
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