For parents of children with weight problems, it can be a confusing situation. Should you restrict their food or just leave well enough alone and hope they grow out of it? The key is to help your children adopt healthful habits that will stay with them through life.
According to the National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, between 2007-2008, 17% of children and adolescents were obese in the US.
Childhood weight problems often carry over into adulthood, and overweight adults are at greater risk for chronic diseases, such as diabetes and heart disease . Worse, conditions once associated only with adults, such as type 2 diabetes and metabolic syndrome (a major risk factor for stroke and heart attacks), are now increasingly being found in some children and adolescents.
Several factors may be to blame. In rare cases, a medical problem may be the cause. If you suspect your child has a weight problem or is developing one, take him to the pediatrician for a full exam.
The most common factors in childhood obesity may include the following:
Experts blame too much television, computer time, and video games.
Today's time-pressed families are relying more and more on convenience foods and fast foods, many of which are high in calories, especially from carbohydrates. High fat intake from burgers, fries, and pizza plays a role, but many kids are gulping down hundreds of calories a day in the form of sodas and sweetened juice drinks.
Overly-large serving portions at both restaurants and at home have also likely played a role. Additionally, many schools do not provide healthy lunches.
Research has shown that children with overweight parents and/or siblings are more likely to be overweight themselves. While genes may play a role, it may also be that parents pass on unhealthful behaviors and habits to their children.
The best advice for parents is to help your kids eat healthfully, be active, and build self-esteem.
Here are some dos and don'ts to help you:
The best advice for any family is to eat and enjoy healthful food together and to exercise together. Kids who learn healthful behaviors as part of a family lifestyle are much more likely to continue those healthful habits throughout their lives.
RESOURCES:
American Academy of Family Physicians
http://www.aafp.org/online/en/home.html/
Weight-control Information Network
http://www.aafp.org/online/en/home.html/
CANADIAN RESOURCES:
Canada's Food Guide
Health Canada
http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/
Dietitians of Canada
http://www.dietitians.ca/
References
Childhood Overweight and Obesity. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website. Available at: http://www.cdc.gov/obesity/childhood/index.html. Updated March 2010. Accessed June 10, 2010
DynaMed Editorial Team. Obesity in children and adults. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at: http://www.ebscohost.com/dynamed/what.php. Updated June 23, 2010. Accessed June 25, 2010.
Overweight and obesity. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website. Available at: http://www.cdc.gov/obesity/. Updated July 2008. Accessed July 29, 2008.
Thomas H. Obesity prevention programs for children and youth: Why are their results so modest? Health Educ Res. 2006;21:783-95. Epub 2006 Nov 10.
10/8/2009 DynaMed Systematic Literature Surveillance DynaMed's Systematic Literature Surveillance: Laurson KR, Eisenmann JC, Welk GJ, Wickel EE, Gentile Da, Walsh DA. Combined influence of physical activity and screen time recommendations on childhood overweight. J Pediatr. 2008;153:209-214.
6/25/2010 DynaMed's Systematic Literature Surveillance http://www.ebscohost.com/dynamed/what.php : Anderson SE, Whitaker RC. Household routines and obesity in US preschool-aged children. Pediatrics. 2010;125(3):420-428.
Last reviewed June 2010 by Brian P. Randall, MD
Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
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