2. Introduction
According to the Centers for Disease Control,
childhood obesity has increased tremendously
in the past 30 years. The American Academy of
Child and Adolescent Psychiatry states that
some of the reasons for this problem include
family history, lack of exercise and overeating.
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3. Causes
Childhood obesity can be linked to genetic and
hormonal factors, but the main cause is consuming
too many calories and not getting enough exercise.
There are two specific diseases that can contribute
to a child being obese. One is known as Prader-Willi
syndrome, and the other is Cushing syndrome.
These diseases are quite rare and only affect a small
percentage of children
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4. Risk Factors
Family history is the first factor. If there are overweight
adults in the family, chances are your children might
become overweight as well. Remember, they watch your
behaviors and follow your eating habits. If there are
already bad eating habits in place and minimal exercise,
your child is more likely to gain weight.
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5. Prevention
The first priority in preventing obesity is to
educate parents. It is more difficult to treat
obesity, so prevention is key. Parents need to be
informed of how to care for their infant from
day one. Doctors and hospitals need to promote
the health benefits of breastfeeding.
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6. Obesity Education Programs
There are several programs that have been
created to help prevent childhood obesity. One
is called We Can! It stands for Ways to Enhance
Children's Activity and Nutrition. Their goal is to
provide parents, caregivers and communities
strategies to help children 8 to 13 maintain a
healthy weight.
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7. Be a Role Model
Remember, you are your child's first teacher. He looks up
to you for everything and observes the choices you make
each day. Once you decide to make healthy choices
yourself, your child will soon follow your lead and make
healthier choices for himself.
.
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