Child Obesity is still an epidemic in 2023
There are growing number of parents who fail to enforce weight management and healthy eating with their children. Children and adolescents that are obese have a 70% to 80% chance of becoming overweight or obese adults. Currently, 1 in 3 children and adolescents are obese or overweight. According to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Child obesity is a condition where a child is significantly overweight for his or her age and height. Kids that suffer from childhood obesity are highly more likely to have diabetes, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol. These are the leading causes of death in the United States.
Leading Causes of Child Obesity
The three leading factors of child obesity are lack of sleep, poor diet, and insufficient physical activity.
Lack of Sleep.
According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), experts agree that children are recommended to sleep a minimum of 9 hours for optimal health. Sleep deprivation negatively affects digestive health and brain health, which is likely to lower ones metabolic rate. Also, studies show that children who nap during the day are less likely to be overweight than children who do not nap.
Poor Diet.
Obesity is mostly connected to diet and mental health. Someone who struggles to regulate their emotions are less likely to regulate their eating habits. The truest display of discipline is in one’s ability to manage their weight over the longest period of time by making the right food selections. The Harvard School of Public Health explains the studies that show the importance of choosing minimally processed, vegetables, fruits, nuts, and healthy sources of protein such as poultry, beans, and fish. We encourage parents to regularly remind their children about why it is importance to avoid sugary beverages, refined grains, potatoes, and processed meats.
Inadequate Physical activity.
Exercise is an essential part of our well-being because it keeps the body strong for daily living. Children need to understand at a young age that recess is not solely about fun but it is also about fitness. Teaching children about health concerns prepare them mentally to stay healthy and fit. Always consult with your primary physician prior to starting an exercise program. Obese children can exercise regularly but should start off slow until they feel comfortable to increase over time.
The purpose of this article is to wake up uninformed parents on child obesity and to help keep parents engaged in healthy living. Parents who are ready to lead their families to better health, we invite you to a holistic family wellness experience. Please visit here to learn more. Subscriptions are available Fall 2023 on Subkit! We invite you to complete this 3-minute survey on who you feel about family fitness to enter for a chance to win freebies and get the latest update on our new programs.
