Childhood obesity it is a serious risk to the health of the little ones, a problem that affects more and more children. A poor diet, excessive consumption of ultra-processed products, sedentary lifestyle and ignorance of what food is, is putting the health of the little ones at serious risk. Obesity is the cause of diseases such as diabetes, cardiovascular problems, emotional disorders or eating disorders, among others.
On the other hand, the World Health Organization warns that 60% of children who suffer from obesity, remain overweight into adulthood. Something that significantly reduces the quality of life, in addition to being the main cause of many diseases that could be avoided.
How to avoid childhood obesity
The main thing is education regarding healthy habits, both for parents and children. Parents are the first to receive as much information as possible, since only in this way will they be able to be aware of the risks of unhealthy eating. On the other hand, it is essential to teach children some basic concepts, such as obesity, being overweight, processed foods, etc.
Only then will they be able to refuse the consumption of these products when they are outside of parental control. It is not necessary for them to receive too much information, you just have to explain them in a way that they can understand that the excess of certain products, can lead to serious health problems. Always in easy-to-understand terms, so that the message really hits them.
Improve your diet at home
From your position as a mother or father, it is essential that establish a healthy eating routine at home. Thus, children can acquire these healthy habits without having to do too much effort. For this, it is essential that you establish meal times and that in each one, the appropriate foods are taken.
E.g.:
- Breakfast must be complete and abundant, so that the child has energy to carry out their activities at school. It should include fruit, milk and cereals, always choosing the best nutritional quality, such as whole wheat or homemade bread, natural fruit juice and cow's milk.
- For the rest of the day, the child you must eat 3 or 4 more meals. That is, at mid-morning you should have a healthy snack to regain energy. You can have a fruit or nuts if you are old enough, they are a great source of healthy energy. Snack and dinner should be lighter to prepare the body for the night, in this link you will find advice on what is What should the children have for dinner? to sleep well.
- Limit the consumption of soft drinks and ultra-processed. These types of products are not food, they do not contribute anything nutritionally speaking, rather the opposite. Limit these types of products to rare occasions, since they are products that contain too much sugar, saturated fat, and unhealthy substances.
Healthy lifestyle habits
If diet is important for children to grow up healthy and avoid obesity, even more so is accompanying it with physical activity. Sport is essential to stay healthy, also to avoid excess weight and to improve many of the body's functions.
Encourage family sports, prevents children from spending too many hours in front of the screen from the computer or from the mobile if they already have it. Try to organize outings on weekends, where the whole family can practice sports and games outdoors. In addition to improving the health of your children, you will be improving your own and promoting quality family moments.
Childhood obesity is today a first world problem. Years ago, new unhealthy products were produced every day. Fortunately, more and more families are aware of the danger posed by childhood obesity. For this reason, there is a new trend of healthy eating and in many houses, a more natural and homemade type of diet is already advocated. Something that benefits both the health of the little ones, as well as that of the oldest in the house.