Kids & Teens

CHILD OBESITY

With more number of diabetics than in any other country in the world, India is fast becoming the diabetic capital of the world,
According to the International Diabetes Foundation, the disease affects more than 62 million Indians, which is more than 7.1%
of India's Adult Population. An estimate shows that nearly 1 million Indians die due to Diabetes every year.
But even more worrying factor is that diabetes is affecting more and more children and the number is fast increasing. The main
factor for the high incidence of diabetes among India’s young population is obesity.

The high obesity rate among very young children is worrisome for many reasons. More, importantly, obesity causes children
to go through puberty earlier. Today children have been maturing at an increasingly younger age. It is time to fight against obesity and protect the health of our future India. Today most of the kids are spending more time in front of the TV, computer, or video game
console. Besides, food habits also play a crucial role in obesity as children are to these ailments. Obese kids are not only prone to these diseases
but also prone to low self-esteem and depression that affects their present and future health and quality of life. 

Obesity in kids may develop the following problems:

• high blood pressure, high cholesterol and abnormal blood lipid levels, insulin resistance, and type 2 diabetes
•  bone and joint problems
•  shortness of breath that makes exercise, sports, or any physical activity more difficult and may aggravate the symptoms or increase the chances of developing asthma
• restless or disordered sleep patterns, such as obstructive sleep apnea
•  tendency to mature earlier (overweight kids may be taller and more sexually mature than their peers, raising expectations that they should act as old as they look, not as old as they are; overweight girls may have irregular menstrual cycles and fertility problems in adulthood)
•  liver and gall bladder diseaseHow to prevent obesity and help children be more active
  

First of all, the parents have to take a conscious effort and make it a whole family affair. By introducing healthy eating habits and regularly exercising one can incorporate  healthy habits into your family.

•  As a responsible parent try to be a good role model and develop a positive attitude to being active.
•  Make your children realize how best you enjoy the physicalactivities and try to motivate them to follow.
•  Encourage them to get involved in vigorous exercises and activities like running, swimming or playing sports.
• Make sure your child drink plenty of water when they are physically active or playing sports.
• An active lifestyle is fuelled by healthy foods – make sure your children make healthy food and drink choices.
• Limit foods that are high in added sugar, salt and saturated fat.
• Spend quality time with the family.
• Limit the amount of time your child spends on ‘TVs a addicted to fast foods. Couching in front of TV or computer screens with munching fast

Foods has become the norm these days for many children. Though a number of factors contribute to becoming overweight such as genetics, lifestyle habits, or a combination of both, the sedentary life style and junk food are the major culprits that develop obesity in
kids. It is time parents must find ways and spend quality time with children to prevent them from becoming obese. It is better if the parents not only help the kids lead healthy lifestyles but also lead by example. 

Is Your Child Overweight?
Body mass index (BMI) uses height and weight measurements to estimate a person's body fat. Using a BMI calculator, you can find
out your child's BMI. Generally, Kids fall into one of four categories:
1. underweight: BMI below the 5th percentile
2. normal weight: BMI at the 5th and less than the 85th percentile
3. overweight: BMI at the 85th and below 95th percentiles
4. obese: BMI at or above 95th percentile

Any child who falls at or above the 85th percentile may be considered overweight. If your child is found to be overweight, you
have taken proper action by changing his/ her eating and activity and food habits accordingly. Further, you can also consult your doctor to assess the medical conditions that can be associated with obesity. In addition you may also refer a dietitian for additional advice and a comprehensive weight management program. 

Effects of Obesity
Obesity increases the risk for serious health conditions like type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol. Once
all these are considered exclusively adult diseases, but now kids are more vulnerable.

At the growing stage sit is important to get engaged in physical activities. Doctors across the world recommend at least Kids and teens should get
60 minutes of physical activity every day. The more a kid involves in exercises and outdoor activities, the more he or she grow stronger.
Regular physical activity helps kids and teens to build not only strong bones and muscles but also develop a healthy body and boost confidence
and self-esteem.

Parental must help kids and teens to be more active

It is the duty of every parent to keep a watch on their kids to make sure that they develop healthily body as well as improve the skills.
After all a healthy body produce a healthy mind.

First of all, the parents should become a good role model and. If they have a positive attitude to being active, then the children will imbibe those
qualities and start enjoying physical activity.

Parents should motivate their children to participate with them in physical activities and have fun by involving them in jogging, running and swimming.
Besides, they must encourage them to play a lot of outdoor games like cricket, soccer, basketball, volleyball and tennis.

More importantly parents should take every care to limit the amount of time that kids and teens spend on televisions and internet.


                                 


Watching TV or playing computer games is linked to children becoming overweight or obese, as Children are more likely to snack on foods thatare high in sugar, salt or saturated fat when they’re watching TV.

Diet for obese kids:


Choose the right food

An active lifestyle is fuelled by healthy foods. Parents must make sure that their children take the right food. Foods that are high in added sugar, salt and 
saturated fat are likely to affect the overall health and also develop complications.

Water as a drink

The habit of drinking water to quench thirst is the best way. Drinking water instead of sweetened drinks also prevents dental problems, while the fluoride found
in tap water can help strengthen teeth and bones. On the other hand, Children and teenagers who regularly drink soft drinks and other sweetened drinks are more
likely to be overweight.

Importance of Milk
Milk is a perfect nutritious drink for kids and teens as it contains a great source of calcium which is vital for strengthening of the bones and teeth.

Fruits and vegetable

Fruit and vegetables are a great source of vitamins, minerals and dietary fibre. Eating fruit and vegetables every day helps children and teenagers grow and develop, boost their vitality and can reduce the risk of many chronic diseases - such as heart disease, high blood pressure, some forms of cancer and being overweight or obese.

Also giving kids and teens whole fruit to eat is a better choice than offering fruit juice to drink.

While whole fruit contains some natural sugars, which make it taste sweet, it also has lots of vitamins, minerals and fibre, which makes it more filling and nutritious than a glass of fruit juice.

One small glass of juice provides a child’s recommended daily amount of vitamin C

Restrict Sweetened drinks

Caffeine is a mildly addictive stimulant drug. Cola-type soft drinks and energy drinks contain caffeine as well as lots of sugar. There are many side effects of caffeine consumption, particularly in kids. These include disturbed sleep, bedwetting, anxiety and headache – even from drinking quite small amounts. There is also a link between caffeine in soft drinks and bone fractures. Also research shows that watching a lot of TV is associated with children and teenagers drinking more soft drink and not eating enough fruit and vegetables.Diet for Kids


Diet for kids
Some of the most important aspects of healthy eating are portion control and cutting down on how much fat your child eats. Simple ways to reduce fat intake in your child's diet and promote a healthy weight include serving:


Low-fat or nonfat dairy products
Poultry without skin
Lean cuts of meats
Whole grain breads and cereals
Healthy snacks such as fruit and veggies
Keep Healthy Snacks Handy

Serve your child mainly healthy snacks, such as fruits and vegetables or whole-grain crackers and cheese. Keep healthy snacks available by placing them on low shelves in the fridge or in the cabinets so your children can reach them when hungry. Keep a bowl of fruit out so children can help themselves, since they are more likely to eat foods that are visible.

Don't Have Junk Food at Home
If you don't want your child to eat a particular food, keep it out of the house. She can't eat foods that aren't there. Make less healthy foods something you eat occasionally when you are away from home. This will limit the amount of junk food your child can eat.


Don't Ban Junk Food
While you probably don't want your child to eat a lot of junk food, you shouldn't ban it completely. This just makes it more attractive and more likely your child will overindulge when he gets an opportunity to eat these foods at a friend's house, a birthday party or school. Teach moderation and permit your children to eat small amounts of these foods from time to time, perhaps allowing them to eat them at a friend's house or a birthday party, but not at home.