CHILDHOOD OBESITY

OBESITY IN CHILDREN

                                                                     

Nowadays, with the new technology that occur in our decades, most of us neglect about the importance to take a good care of health especially it comes about children health. With parents that busy with their everyday work, and have no time to take care about their children, what they did today? who is their friend? and what they eat today?

Children become overweight and obese for a variety of reasons. The most common causes are genetic factors, lack of physical activity, unhealthy eating patterns, or a combination of these factors. Only in rare cases is being overweight caused by a medical condition such as a hormonal problem. A physical exam and some blood tests can rule out the possibility of a medical condition as the cause for obesity. Although weight problems run in families, not all children with a family history of obesity will be overweight. Children whose parents or brothers or sisters are overweight may be at an increased risk of becoming overweight themselves, but this can be linked to shared family behaviors such as eating and activity habits.

If you have an overweight child, it is very important that you allow him or her to know that you will be supportive. Children's feelings about themselves often are based on their parents' feelings about them, and if you accept your children at any weight, they will be more likely to feel good about themselves. It is also important to talk to your children about their weight, allowing them to share their concerns with you. It is not recommended that parents set children apart because of their weight. Instead, parents should focus on gradually changing their family's physical activity and eating habits. By involving the entire family, everyone is taught healthful habits and the overweight child does not feel singled out.

There are many ways to involve the entire family in healthy habits, but increasing the family's physical activity is especially important. Some ways to accomplish this include, lead by example. If your children see that you are physically active and having fun, they are more likely to be active and stay active for the rest of their lives. Next, plan family activities that provide everyone with exercise, like walking, biking, or swimming. Besides, be sensitive to your child's needs. Overweight children may feel uncomfortable.

-FARHANASA

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