Childhood Obesity – Big Fat Health Issue
A person is believed to be obese when his or her body mass index, a measure that combines their height with their weight as well as their age, lies anywhere above 30. While the literal definition of obesity says – the state of being overweight or having an excessive body fat, the scope of this term is not limited to being just that. There are so many health conditions that accompany or follow this disorder, and some of these can be serious and chronic as well, both in the short as well as long run. These include type II diabetes, high cholesterol levels, hypertension, fatty liver disease, respiratory issues etc.
Obesity Among Children Is On Rise
Unfortunate as this may sound, the problem of obesity is becoming increasingly common among people of all age groups, and especially, the younger lot. Today, childhood obesity is on the rise. Children as small as pre-teens are experiencing severe obesity, and if we go by numbers, about one-third of the children in the US alone, are obese. This trend is alarming as the number continues to witness an increase, and not just in the US but all across the world. This trend will not just lead to an unhealthy future, but one that is marked by stress, sadness and a much reduced self-esteem.
Childhood Obesity – Causes And Suggestions
Our diet and lifestyle have a huge role to play in maintaining our weight as well as overall health, and that applies to each one of us, no matter how old or young we may be. In fact, obesity at a younger age makes it all the more important to manage it timely because it has been observed that obese children often grow up into obese adults. Besides, we have our whole life ahead of us and what is the joy in leading a life that is accompanied by not just excessive body fat, but unnecessary health complications?
However, the good news is that even if we manage to bring down our body weight, little at a time, we can keep the problem under check and prevent the onset of other health complications arising out of obesity. Let us zoom in a little on how we can control and maintain our weight.
Food Choices And Dietary Patterns
- Unhealthy food choices such as processed and fast foods not only lead to weight gain, but also make it difficult for our body to digest and convert into energy.
- It is thus called as junk food for this reason and becomes a reason for weight gain .
- Instead, indulge in a healthy and balanced diet, have food on time and never skip a meal just in order to reduce weight.
- Binge eating is another issue which is becoming increasingly common among children, wherein the focus is more on those unhealthy chips and munches.
- Replacing these with a variety of fruits and salads will allow our body to detox and load it up with the goodness of various nutrients and antioxidants.
- Hunger pangs are common among us all, and especially among children. However, it is healthy only as long as these are being addressed by healthy snacking options.
- Staying hydrated and consuming loads of water all through the day, apart from electrolyte containing beverages such as coconut water, etc allow our body to wash down toxins while making up for any minerals lost out during a long, tiring day.
- Try to remove refined and unhealthy carbs as far as possible from your diet, and replace them with whole-grain foods and those containing more fiber, such as fruits and salads.
- You could also include more prebiotics and probiotics in your diet.
Need Of Active Lifestyle
An active lifestyle, in combination with a good diet, plays a major role in helping the little ones manage weight. It paves way for a faster metabolism, which is nothing but our body’s ability to convert food into energy before it goes on to become fat.
- A sedentary lifestyle, on the other hand, should be discouraged as far as possible, especially among children.
- When we are young, it is especially important for us spend some time outdoors, breathe in some fresh air and indulge in physical activities that make us break a sweat or two. This could include cycling, swimming, playing football, etc. Whatever it is, make sure you enjoy while you are at it.
- At the same time, it is also important for children to sleep well for at least 7-8 hours each day.
Watch Video: Honey: Essential Health Benefits & Precautions
About the Author:
Dr Sonica Krishan is Author and Speaker in the areas of Healthy and Joyous Living through Ayurveda, Meditation, Yoga and other Contemplative practices. She is a leading Ayurveda Professional in India. She is also Health Writer, Columnist, Editor, Ayurveda Consultant and Holistic Healing Coach. Dr Sonica is open for National as well as International Collaborations with interested people / institutions in fields of Ayurveda, Meditation and Yoga.
Dr Sonica Krishan’s Books are available at Amazon
Related Blogs:
15 SURE-SHOT PRACTICAL WAYS OF WEIGHT LOSS
WHY YOU MUST LOSE WEIGHT AND ESCAPE OBESITY?