What was once seen as a sign of a healthy and “cute” baby is now an alarm for concerned parents. Chubby babies and children with lots of rolls are far from being a sign of health! The statistics counting the number of obese children in Brazil and around the world have been rising at an alarming rate every single day.
What many people don’t realize is that an obese child not only has an aesthetic issue but can also suffer from serious health problems caused by obesity, such as hypertension and high cholesterol levels. Obesity can cause very serious harm and affect the child’s quality of life, and can even follow them into adulthood. But why have the statistics recording the number of obese children in Brazil and around the world increased so much? The answer is simple and clear! All you have to do is look at the routines and daily life of families everywhere, their daily habits, and check what they consume.
A child’s and adult’s body is a result and reflection of their routine and lifestyle, especially what they eat. In the past, family routines were very different from what we experience nowadays, with mothers staying home to take care 100% of their children’s and husband’s lives and routines, following especially the rules for mealtimes. Healthy and complete meals were prepared for everyone to sit at the table and eat properly, which is why it was not so common to see obese children. This routine was replaced by the rush of overworked mothers and increasingly poor and quick meals, which are high in fats and sodium and have zero vitamins.
An obese child is also the result not only of poor eating habits but of a sedentary lifestyle where children’s games have been set aside and modern life with online games, television, and the internet has taken up all the time that should be spent productively and enjoyably, as in the life of an active child. Technology is a great advance for humanity, but if not used with caution—especially in childhood—it becomes a dangerous weapon that leads to an obese and sedentary child.
Treatment For Childhood Obesity
There is no miracle treatment for childhood obesity that will work overnight; it’s all about changes to the child’s overall routine, including their schedule. Teaching the child to develop healthy eating habits and starting an active lifestyle will make all the difference. Setting a good example at home is the key step for change not just for the obese child, but for the entire family who almost always struggle with weight problems too. Cutting out everything that is harmful and helps increase weight is essential, so start with sodas and sweets, removing them from the diet and restricting them to only rare occasions.
When we walk into the supermarket, we’re faced with an endless amount of sweets and treats that catch the eyes and tempt the taste buds of children—and of us adults, too. But the question is: Is it good for your health? How many calories are in that little colorful, delicious package? To start treating childhood obesity, focus, plenty of determination, and above all, lots of patience are needed to deal with the tears when you say no to the little one. Do you feel sorry? Of course you do, but think of it as doing what’s best for your child—you’re saying no now to avoid them becoming an obese child with diseases and more serious future health problems, and that makes it worthwhile.
Choose colorful and healthy foods that appeal to the eyes and taste of children. For those who have difficulty eating these foods, try different recipes and include them in dishes the child already likes, for example, mixed in with beans or meat, or finely grated into another food the child enjoys. Fruits and natural juices are great options for afternoon snacks and breakfast for little ones, and can perfectly replace sugary cereals.
Cross off your shopping list cookies, especially filled ones, all types of chocolate, sodas, chips, and artificial juices, and avoid fast food in general, which offers quick food but zero healthy nutrition. Changing your children’s eating habits won’t be easy, but it’s an action that will bring great rewards in the long run. Having support from a nutritionist or a trusted pediatrician can help, since they can recommend the right foods, as well as portions and times. Suggestions for exercises and children’s sports, and information on what should and shouldn’t be done, will also be provided.
It’s easy for parents and family to notice signs that a child’s weight is not healthy, what’s hard is accepting that something needs to be done!! And the best approach will always be to take action before things get out of control and the child starts to suffer. Believe me, the later you start treatment, the harder it will be to change those habits, so throw “feeling sorry” in the trash, roll up your sleeves, and offer your child a healthy life. Many parents believe loving means giving children everything they want, including food, but childhood obesity is here to prove that’s not true! Good habits provide a healthy life for children and the whole family, and in a child’s life always put play, play, and play first!!
See also: Childhood BMI – A Warning for Moms
Photos: Gaulsstin, Peter Dahlgren
