We at Community Care Physicians are passionate about the health of our patients, and encouraging children to develop healthy habits at a young age to give them to best possible chance at a healthy life. Unfortunately, there is a major public health problem that is putting children at a higher risk of serious health conditions later in life – obesity. About 1 in 5 children in the United States are diagnosed with obesity. This is why the month of September is recognized as National Childhood Obesity Month! This platform gives us all the chance to learn more about childhood obesity, the seriousness of this condition, and what we can do as caretakers to support our children with their journey to good health.
It’s More Than Just Extra Pounds
Children who are obese have a higher risk of developing other chronic health conditions and diseases, like asthma, sleep apnea, bone and joint problems, and type 2 diabetes. In addition, they have more risk factors for heart disease, such as high blood pressure and high cholesterol.
Children’s health is not just a healthy diet and physical activity, it’s their mental and emotional health too. Children with obesity are often faced with bullying more than the normal weight of their peers. They are also more likely to suffer from social isolation, depression, and lower self-esteem.
Several factors can influence childhood obesity, such as diet and physical activity behaviors, genetics, metabolism, family and home environment, and community and social factors. For too many children, their health and wellness can be affected from:
- Not spending time being active
- Lack of sleep
- Lack of places to go in the community to get physical activity
- Easy access to inexpensive, high-calorie foods, and sugary beverages
- Lack of access to affordable, healthier foods
What You Can Do
We know as caretakers that you want to give your children the best and healthiest life they can have by providing them resources and support, and obesity is no different! There are many things you can do to help your children achieve and maintain a healthy weight.
Know their growth. You should always be paying attention to your child’s growth and development. You should also learn how obesity is measured in children. Speak with your pediatrician or family doctor about how to calculate your child’s BMI and screenings or resources for potential weight issues. You can also learn about nutrition education or childhood healthy weight programs from your provider.
Promote nutrition. Especially with school starting, it’s important to provide nutritious, lower-calorie foods like fruits and vegetables in place of foods high in added sugars and solid fats. Kids’ early eating experiences can affect how they eat as they get older. And drinks matter too! Teach them the importance of hydration and the power of drinking water, and why soda or other sugary beverages aren’t good for your health.
Keep them active. Make sure they get daily physical activity! Keeping active fosters normal growth and development, reduces the risk of various chronic diseases, and can help with function and sleep. Children who are regularly physically active also have a better chance of a healthy adulthood. If your child doesn’t engage in much activity, try to ease them into it by slowly increasing their moderate to vigorous physical activity in small steps and ways that they enjoy.
Be a role model! Children learn by example, and they are always watching you and the habits you have. Show your child how important it is to stay healthy by eating healthy meals and snacks, and getting the right amount of physical activity each day. If your children see you maintaining a healthy life, they may develop your healthy habits!
Remember that the goal for children who are overweight is to reduce the rate of weight gain while allowing normal growth and development. Through regular physical activity, healthy meals and snacks, and living a healthy lifestyle yourself, can give your child a great chance to lead a healthy life. A healthy lifestyle not only can help prevent more serious diseases, but it can also help improve their emotional and mental health as well! Talk with your primary care provider about your child's health and wellness. You can also speak with our Concierge Care Coordinator about our pediatric and family medicine offices at (518) 782-3800.
Sources
https://www.cdc.gov/healthyweight/children/index.html
https://www.cdc.gov/features/childhoodobesity/index.html