Childhood Obesity Prevention

The prevention of obesity in children is crucial to their future well being and happiness. Strange as it may sound, a number of adult health associated problems these days are being linked by experts to infant obesity. With infants normally being chubby, it a difficult job to discern obesity at this stage. But the truth is that it does exist. Infact, even our eating habits as adults are, to a certain degree, determined by how we were fed as babies.

Preventing obesity in infants signifies keeping an eye over their diet during the elementary stage. Ideally babies should be nurtured on only mother’s breast milk during the initial six months. Solids should be incorporated gradually into the diet over the rest of the year. Breastfeeding the baby should also continue simultaneously. Incase of slightly older kids, its advisable to consult a doctor in order to check obesity.

Encouragement is the Key

If your child is obese, it is significant that you permit him or her to know that you will be supportive. Children's opinion about themselves is often influenced by their parents' about them. And so if you accept your children at any weight, they will be more liable to feel good about themselves. At the same time, it’s also vital for you, as parent, speak to your children about their obesity so that they are able to share their worries with you and do something about it.

It’s strictly warned that parents refrain from setting their children aside because of their weight problem. On the contrary, parents should concentrate on steadily altering their entire family's physical activities and eating pattern for the better. By this, each will imbibe healthy eating habits and the overweight child will not feel singled out. There are numerous small ways in which you can include all family members in this not-so-easy task.

Set an Example - Live Healthy

Be the leader yourself in this obesity prevention mission. When you embrace healthy living habits gladly, there’s all likelihood your children will fall suit more easily. Think of family activities like trekking, biking, or swimming that will involve all members in it. Be more attuned to the requirements of the child showing tendency of weight gain. Such kids may feel shy or uncomfortable taking part in certain kind of games.

Try cutting down on the hours you spend watching television at home with kids. This encourages lack of physical activity, which can be the principal reason behind weight gain in children. Most importantly, take a good diet. Have lots of fruits, vegetables, low-fat or nonfat dairy products, poultry without skin and lean meats, low-fat or fat-free breads and cereals and calorie-free or sugar-free juices. Consult family dietician for advice on proper diet.

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