Tackling Childhood Obesity

Anshul (name changed) is a 10-year-old boy studying in 5^th standard, and is amongst the class toppers in school. Apparently he is not that of an achiever in sports or any field activities. In his younger days, he was more-than-chubby and every known person would always pull his cheeks lovingly and exclaim “How Cute”. Nobody can actually say when exactly his cute-chubby-cheeks turned in to flabs of fat. Ours is a culture, where an overweight child is considered to be one who has been loved and cared for.  Adding to which the family and friends use food to convey affection to children. It’s time for a reality check.

Research has proven that 40% of overweight pre-schoolers and 80% of overweight teenagers are likely to be overweight as adults. A chubby child may be cute to look at but it is injustice to the child from a health aspect.

Anshul’s parents are well- educated but are ignorant that childhood obesity does have many health repercussions. As-a-fact-of-the-matter, it is the leading cause of diabetes in young adults. In addition, high blood pressure, elevated lipids, poor bone health, early onset of heart diseases, liver disease and asthma can be associated with childhood obesity.

What exactly should his parents do?

Anshul is in his growth phase and still has his adolescent years to curb that fat into lean mass. Bringing out simple changes in his routine can effectively help improve the situation.

§  Moderation is the key. Anshul is a single child and has never really had to share his food. His parents will have to limit the quantity of food he is taking. Small and regular meals are the way to go.

§  Do not skip meals - Skipping meals can lead to out-of-control hunger, often resulting in overeating.

§  Food stocked at home should be healthy snacks like fruits, milk, buttermilk and roasted snacks.

      Pre-planning is an essential tool to ensure that food is meant for nutrition and not to just suffice hunger.

Always remember changing the diet and lifestyle of the child requires complete support of his family. Proper care and planning will aid in the long run.


for detailed information
http://www.ehitavada.com/site.home/paper_type/1/date/2011-08-08/page_no/10


http://www.aboutchildobesity.com/child_obesity_prevention.htm