According to research experts Ebbling, Pawlak, and Ludwig, childhood obesity has progressively risen over the last two decades in the United States, as well as across the globe. History tells us that in the past, children who looked healthy or fat were viewed as easily surviving disease and under-nourishment. Even though definitions of body weight and obesity differ in the research community, the increasing prevalence of childhood obesity has quickly risen. For instance, in the U.S., obesity among children has increased from a 2.3 to a 3.3 ratio over 25 years. In England, a 2.0 to 2.8 ratio over 10 years. However, in the last decade, childhood obesity is equated to childhood health problems of unexpected severity by medical doctors and the medical community, as a whole. Obesity in children brings to the forefront widespread complicated issues that warrant parent and society’s immediate attention.
Society needs to pay more attention to the health issues that result from childhood obesity. But more specifically, the parents are crucial components in modifying the foods and activity of their child. In fact, research has proven that the home environment and the interaction between family members has a huge impact on the health and well-being of children. Parents are the role models who set proper guidelines. The children are then able to follow and imitate the good behavior of the parent.
Here are concrete and tangible ways a parent can provide a healthy environment that may prevent childhood obesity:
1-Eating more at home instead of going out to a restaurant, where the food is generally high in fats and low in nutritional value. At home, the parent can control the types of foods served. Of course, using less saturated and trans fats and serving less fried foods is a plus.
2-Not allowing a television in the bedroom of the child is taking action in reducing television time and possibly increasing a chance for physical activity instead.
3-Serving more fiber-rich foods and eliminating soft drinks or at least having fewer is a huge plus, as well.
4-Being innovative in food preparation by providing tasty vegetables, healthy snacks, and fruits is a win-win situation for everyone in the household.
5-Parents who give social and psychological support to their children will inspire them and also set the tone for peers, classmates, teachers, and care-givers to participate with the same approach.
6-Lastly, family participation in physical activity is key in promoting good habits of eating and keeping a child’s weight intact. Physical activities will take children away from technological devices that require inactivity while providing overall well-being.
Experts tell us that in preventing obesity and controlling a child’s weight largely depends on eating healthy, eating less, and incorporating physical activity into their daily regime. However, as simple as it may seem, it is not easy. The role of a parent is a major factor. A positive approach begins with setting guidelines for everyone in the household to follow. In order to be successful, parents will have to demonstrate consistency, while imitating the behavior they expect from their children.
References
Ebbeling, C., Pawlak, D., Ludwig, D. (2002). Childhood obesity: public-health crisis, common sense cure. The Lancet, (360), 473-482. Retrieved from allhealth.org
