Childhood Obesity In West Virginia Stands At Number 4 In the US

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childhood obesity

Childhood Obesity: You might have observed children started using more smartphones, tablets and TV instead of playing outside.

And so, this has reduced their physical activity. Although, this change was already there, it contributed more after COVID-19 pandemic.

In terms of the total number of children suffering from obesity, West Virginia ranks at number 4 as compared to all other 50 states of the US. In terms of numbers, 21.9% of youth who age between 10-17 years is obese.

Amanda Wade, who’s a renowned Pediatric at Reynolds Memorial Hospital says roughly 20-30% of the pediatric population contribute to the problem of obesity.

She believes looking at these children, it looks hard if they will ever slim down.

Today, there are different US states where you find obese children or adults who don’t even know the harmful effects of getting obese. All they are engaged in is eating a lot of unhealthy diet and facing major health risks.

The research in this regard clearly suggests that children who are able to achieve a healthy weight tend to become fitter and healthier. And so, they are better able to learn and are more self-confident than others.

On the other hand, it’s seen overweight children growing up as overweight adults which generally invite some health risks associated with them including heart disease, type 2 diabetes, hypertension and others.

Being a parent, it’s your duty to properly advise your children to take a healthy diet. Also, it’s equally important to listen to your child’s concerns regarding their weight problems.

It’s because overweight children are aware that they have a weight problem and they need your support to get rid of extra fat accumulated in their bodies.

They need your encouragement and love. And so, give them a feeling that you are equally concerned of their weight issues and try to sort it out together in a healthy manner.

There are some tips for children to ge rid of the problem f obesity:

  • Check the frequency and type of snack you are taking
  • Avoid sugary drinks too often
  • Increase the quantity of green leafy vegetables and decrease other ones
  • Engage them in any physical activity at least for an hour

Childhood Obesity: You Need Activeness

Most often, overweight children don’t require more exercises as compared to slimmer children. As they have extra body fat, they will tend to burn more calories for the same activity.

And so, all children require around physical activity for at least 60 minutes to maintain good health. But that doesn’t necesarily mean to be done all at once.

For younger ones, they can involve themselves in the form of active play that can be in the form of playing different games in the ground.

For older children, physical activity may involve cycling, climbing frames and see-saws.

Even if your child doesn’t show interest to go for any of the above, it’s your duty to encourage them to at least start with what they can do.

For best results, try to find out the the type and amount of physical activity recommended for children and young adults of age between 5-18.

 

Eating Healthy Meals

In terms of healthy meals, children or young adults need to go with more fruits and vegetables. Also try those foods having a great source of protein and fiber.

They should include fresh juices, smoothies, pulses and beans in their diet to get all the fiber and protein they require.

Please note that children should not exceed 150ml of smoothies, fruit juices and vegetable juice.

It’s because when a fruit gets blended or juiced, it releases sugars which somehow enhances the risk of tooth decay. Due to this, it’s best to enjoy smoothies or fruit juice at mealtimes.

At the same time, discourage your child to having high-fat foods like cakes, sweets, biscuits, along with other sugar-sweetened soft and fuzzy drinks. It’s because such foods are found high in calories but low in nutrients.

Try to make your child learn to extract more nutrients instead of going for calories. And so, they need more fibrous diet which include vegetables and fruits.

Less Screen Time & More Sleep

Try to help and support your children to avoid lying and sitting too much as this is going to put more weight.

Similarly, limit the amount of time your child watches TV, video games and other sort of activities. Most experts believe that children should watch no more than 2 hours of TV each day.

Get rid of all screens (including mobile phones) at the time of sleep at night.

 

Also Read: How to Overcome Eating Disorders Using This New Technique?

 

 

Source: Wtrf.com