How will you react if you come to know that childhood obesity has been increasing at an alarming rate across the world? Shocking right!!
Over 39 million kids under the age of 5 are obese and this was according to WHO or World Health Organisation. Not only obesity in the kids would cause chronic illness such as diabetes, heart issues etc in them but it also would affect their social and emotional wellbeing.
Parents would be able to manage obesity in their kids through healthy habits, emotional support and positive reinforcement.
Various ways or tips by which parents can manage their kid`s obesity are
By encouraging physical activity:
Every day, children would require atleast 30 minutes of moderate to intense physical activity. Various physical activities are running, swimming, cycling, dancing etc. Playing outdoor games would also be useful.
By making kids eat balanced foods:
Parents must make their kids eat protein rich foods and fruits, vegetables, whole grains etc without fail. They must teach their kids about food balance and not restrict the kids.
By limiting screen time:
Kids below the age of 5 must be allowed screen time of about 1 hour per day and older kids must be allowed 2 hours of screen time. This was mentioned by the Indian Academy of Paediatrics.
By creating a healthy home environment:
Instead of keeping junk foods in the homes, parents must keep healthy foods like nuts, fruits, yoghurt etc. Parents must never bring sugary sodas, fried snacks etc to the homes.
By being a role model:
It is true that the kids would imitate their parents. Hence, parents must be a role model to their kids. They must adopt healthy eating and exercise habits etc. It is important for the parents to eat food with their kids.
By not using food as reward or punishment:
There are some parents who reward their kids with sweets for appreciating them and punish their kids by food deprivation. This could lead to a bad relationship with food. Parents could appreciate their kids by giving them non-food rewards such as stickers, books etc.
By ensuring proper sleep:
There is a relation between insufficient sleep and obesity in the kids. Therefore, parents must ensure that their kids sleep well by restricting screen time and by creating sleep hygiene.
By taking guidance from paediatrician:
Parents must seek guidance from medical professionals or paediatricians etc if their kid s BMI is above the recommended range.
