Childhood Obesity: A Growing problem

The number of overweight children in India has doubled in recent years, with a quarter of children considered overweight or obese. Causes of obesity in children include unhealthy food choices, lack of physical activity and family eating habits.

This rise in the number of overweight children is disturbing, because it causes health problems and can lead to social problems. Once children are overweight, it requires a lot of effort and commitment for them to return to a healthy weight.

Overweight and obesity in children are among the most important risks to children’s long and short-term health. Overweight children are very likely to become overweight adults.

Childhood obesity is the result of eating too many calories and not getting enough physical activity.

Promote a Healthy Lifestyle

Parents can help prevent childhood obesity by providing healthy meals and snacks, daily physical activity, and nutrition education. Healthy meals and snacks provide nutrition for growing bodies while modeling healthy eating behavior and attitudes. Increased physical activity reduces health risks and helps weight management. Nutrition education helps young children develop an awareness of good nutrition and healthy eating habits for a lifetime.

• Discourage eating meals or snacks while watching TV. Eating in front of the TV may make it difficult to pay attention to feelings of fullness and may lead to overeating.
• Buy fewer high-calorie, low-nutrient foods. Help children understand that sweets and high-fat treats (such as candy, cookies, ice creams or cake) are not everyday foods. Don’t deprive children of occasional treats, however.
• Involve children in planning, shopping, and preparing meals. Use these activities to understand children’s food preferences, teach children about nutrition, and encourage them to try a wide variety of foods.
• Plan healthy snacks at specific times. Focus on maximum nutrition – fruits, vegetables, grains, low-sugar cereals, low fat dairy products, and lean meats and meat alternatives. Avoid excessive amounts of fruit juices, which contains calories, but fewer nutrients than the fruits they come from.
• Encourage physical activity. Participate in family physical activity time on a regular basis, such as walks, bike rides and active outdoor games.
• Limit the amount of time children watch television, play video games, and work on the computer to 1 to 2 hours per day. Reducing sedentary activities helps increase physical activity.