Parent and Baby

Obesity means having too much body fat. Having a weight 20% more than the ideal for the child’s age and height is considered as obesity. Obesity is now among the most widespread medical problems that affects children and adolescents. Obesity has a great effect on a child’s life by increasing his risk of having several health problems as well as emotional and social problems.

Predisposing factors in childhood obesity are unhealthy diet, inadequate or lack of exercise, family history, metabolic or hormonal problems and other medical conditions that may lead to eating excessively.

Parents are the first to notice that their child is gaining too much weight. The parents should be the one to initiate the changes because children simply cannot do it on their own. They need all the support that they can get. Parents can:

1. Change family behavior
   Impose time limit on TV and computer usage. Prepare healthy meals and get rid of all the junk foods and fizzy drinks in the house. Replace it with fruits and healthy foods. This may take time getting used to and together with determination, it can be done.
2. Create a healthy environment
   Make healthy food always available. Encourage your children to exercise and move around instead of lounging in front of the TV or computer.
3. Be a positive role model
   Monkey see, monkey do. Children will imitate what they see and therefore if the parents will set a good example then, there is no way that their children will be obese.
4. Reward successful changes
   Set realistic goals and deal rewards appropriately. Do not use foods as a reward or punishment as it will have a bad effect on your child.

While change cannot be done over night but it has to start somewhere and your family is the right place. Family members should work together and support each other. Sooner the changes will be integrated in your family and it will become an integral part of your family.