Tips to Prevent Childhood Obesity

Obesity can cause serious health issues in children. So, it is a must to deal with and prevent such problems before it is too late. Let us take a look at few tips to prevent childhood obesity in children.Balance is the key to healthy living and for maintaining a healthy weight. Today, childhood obesity is one of the most concerned topics in medical world and there is a need to spread awareness to protect children from getting into this trap. Yes, this is a trap because everything is related to health and weight.So, as a parent you should keep in mind that maintaining a balance in diet and having nutritious food is extremely important for your child. There are many ways in which parents can help and encourage children to have the right weight maintained. Remember the habits you inculcate in your children in this tender age will make or break her life. In this articleEncourage Healthy Eating HabitsBe a Role ModelMake Sure Your Children Get Sufficient RestEncourage Outdoor Physical ActivitiesLimit Your Child’s Screen TimeEducate Your Child About Making Healthy Decisions in LifeWarn Your Child About Harmful Fad DietsTips to Prevent Childhood ObesityIt is advisable not to wait for your child to put on weight to start implementing the tips. Start early and help your child stay away from numerous health ailments prevailing these days.1. Encourage Healthy Eating HabitsThe eating habit of your child starts developing right from the time you introduce solid food into her life. So, start early and remain consistent throughout.Let your child have fresh fruits, vegetables and whole grain foods in regular meals.Offer good sources of protein like lean meat, fish, lentils, beans and poultry.Watch out the food portion you serveEncourage everyone in the family to drink lots of waterAvoid sodas and other carbonated drinks as much as possibleCheck on salt and sugar to limit the intake2. Be a Role ModelChildren follow what they see their parents do rather than what their parents ask them to do. The first step to prevent childhood obesity is to start preparing, serving and eating healthy food at home. Healthy decisions taken will help your entire family to stay away from the risks of serious medical problems.3. Make Sure Your Children Get Sufficient RestAlong with a healthy diet and nutritious choice of food, rest is one of the most important yet usually ignored parts of a child’s life. Studies show that children who do not sleep recommended hours are at high risk for being overweight. So, make sure your child sleeps the recommended hours considering the age group to which she belongs.4. Encourage Outdoor Physical ActivitiesChildren should have at least one hour of outdoor activity daily. It can be simple playing in the playground, bicycling, swimming or any other organized activity like dance classes, martial arts or anything else in which your child finds interest in.5. Limit Your Child’s Screen TimeOne of the biggest culprits in today’s lifestyle is television, video games and computer. Make strict rules on the amount of time spent in front of these screens. Let your child choose anything, but be strict and consistent with the timing.6. Educate Your Child About Making Healthy Decisions in LifeDepending on the age of your child let her understand why it is important to eat healthy and pay attention to inculcating healthy habits in life. Involving children in grocery shopping, planning and preparing food make huge differences.7. Warn Your Child About Harmful Fad DietsThis is extremely important if your child is adolescent. Teach her that diet pills, fasting, using laxatives and other unnatural and unhealthy ways of reducing weight have serious and long-term consequences.In addition, if your child is overweight, avoid teasing her especially in front of other children or people. Let your child know that you are there for her support and will help her reduce weight as well as help her maintain it. Motivation and support can encourage your child to follow natural ways and steps.What are the causes for childhood obesity? How to prevent childhood obesity? What are the risks associated with childhood obesity? Discuss here.