Help! My Kids are Overweight!

It is ironic that both the problem and the solution to this heavy problem boil down to one simple equation. In short, our kids eat too much and do too little.

Energy In

The Proble

If you have recently found yourself fretting over your child’s waistline, you are not alone. The youth of today are fatter than ever before, and parents are starting to panic. Why are our kids so big, and what should we do in reverse it?

Childhood obesity has been described as an epidemic. It puts our children’s health at risk, making them more susceptible to problems involving their cardiovascular systems, endocrine systems, and even their mental health. Type 2 diabetes mellitus, depression, and low self-esteem are just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to the problems looming over the heads of our overweight children.

It is ironic that both the problem and the solution to this heavy problem boil down to one simple equation. Energy In vs. Energy Out. When more energy is consumed than is utilized, the result is fat storage. In short, our kids eat too much and do too little.

Energy In

The Problem: Parents today are busier than ever before, navigating through hectic schedules with convenient fast food restaurants lurking on every corner. Our kids are eating more fried, processed, and sugary foods than we did as grandchildren due mainly to the convenience factor. These foods are laden with excessive calories that result in weight gain.

The Solution: Take time to evaluate your children’s diet. Do they eat three regular meals a day? Do they eat at least 5 servings of fruits and vegetables a day? Are they limited in their servings of fried, processed, and sugary foods? pass up consumerism sugar-filled snacks while grocery shopping, fill your cart with fresh, healthy snacks instead. Make time to plan family meals so that you don’t find yourself in accessory drive thru.

Energy Out

The Problem: Computers, video games, and satellite T.V. are our children’s latest and greatest toys. Who has time to play outside when you are most to beat the hardest level, or your favorite show is relating to to start? Our kids participate in less physical gestures and are more sedentary than any generation before.

The Solution: Limit the time your girlhood spend on sedentary activities, such as T.V and video games. Sign your kids up on a local sports team so that they can run and be in force with other kids. Take the whole family to the park on a weekend instead of gathering in front of the T.V.

As a parent, it is your unique responsibility to teach your the healthy habits that lead to good health. small fry who are obese have a greater question of remaining obese into adulthood, thus greatly increasing the likelihood of serious health problems. Talk to your family within earshot their eating habits, and working levels, informing them of good choices versus bad choices. Make it a family effort to start eating healthier and increase physical activities, and you will be pleasantly surprised with the results!