Are you worried about childhood obesity? Do you want to make healthy eating a priority in your child's diet? We look at the serious risks of obesity in children and offer some expert advice on how you can tackle this difficult issue.
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In the UK today, around one million children under 16 are obese according to the British Medical Association (BMA). Childhood obesity is now referred to as a 'timebomb', but what does this mean for the health of our children?
As many as three or four children in a typical UK school class could be affected by childhood obesity. And the future is not looking too healthy either, with the BMA estimating that if current trends continue, at least one fifth of boys and one third of girls will be obese by 2020.
What is child obesity and what causes it?
The term obesity refers to a person’s physical state of being seriously overweight for their age and height. Childhood obesity also refers to a condition whereby a serious excess of body weight can negatively affect a child’s health and wellbeing.
Children’s health expert and author of Child Obesity: A Parent’s Guide, Judith Manson explains, ‘Childhood obesity is not a disease which strikes at random; it’s a condition that can occur because of particular circumstances and it’s a condition that can be very successfully treated and prevented from recurring.’
Childhood obesity can be brought on by a range of factors which can also act in combination.
- An unhealthy diet - Poor childhood nutrition with a diet high in fat, sugar, and salt content. Fast foods, processed foods, fizzy sugary drinks, constant snacking on junk foods, and a lack of fresh fruit and vegetables can all contribute.
- Lack of exercise - a sedentary lifestyle, with little physical exertion to burn off the excess calories consumed can lead to a child becoming obese. Activities such as television and computer games have been blamed for a child’s physical inactivity.
- Genetics - there are a number of rare genetic conditions which can cause childhood obesity, however if parents are aware the child may have inherited this from them, then every precaution should be taken to ensure obesity doesn’t manifest itself in the child.
- Home lifestyles - as parents we are all role models for our children. Setting good examples with eating habits and attitudes towards healthy eating, plus physical activities can all affect our children’s weight.
Health risks of childhood obesity
Unfortunately, childhood obesity carries some very real risks to a child’s health both now and in the future as adults. There are short term difficulties such as tooth decay from high sugar diets, fungal infections under excess flaps of skin, and digestion problems. However, there are also longer term illnesses which can lead to serious health problems.
Research has shown that obese children are at a higher risk of hardened or blocked arteries, high blood pressure, and type II diabetes. As adults they will be more at risk from heart attacks and bowel cancer. The excess weight can also put extra pressure on developing joints and bones, leading to difficulties with breathing, vision, and may cause various chronic aches and pains.
As with adults, a child who is obese can also suffer from psychological problems such as low self-esteem, depression, and lack of confidence.
Tackling childhood obesity
The good news is that there are plenty of ways to help a child attain a healthy weight.
BUPA recommends a threefold approach which encourages a child to:
- Eat a healthy, well-balanced diet
- Make changes to eating habits
- Increase physical activity - in 2004 the Chief Medical Officer recommended at least 60 minutes of at least moderate physical activity a day for children
As parents it is important to recognise your child’s weight problems and take action to tackle it together.
- If you are worried about your child’s weight visit a GP who will recommend the right course of action. They will also refer your child to a dietician who can give expert advice about a healthy diet plan.
- Talk to your child’s teacher about what can be done in school.
- Start looking at your child’s eating habits and diet. Increase fresh fruit and vegetable intake – five-a-day is the recommended daily allowance, and reduce fat intake. Even if this means changing your whole family’s eating habits, ensuring that the whole family is eating a healthy diet can have huge benefits all round.
- Sit down to regular family mealtimes. Discuss what healthy foods they like and use them in recipes. Avoid processed and junk foods, along with sugary drinks.
- Talk with your child about their feelings and what they want to achieve. Be there to support them, and help them to understand what is happening.
- Be a positive role model. Don’t expose your child to negativity about healthy eating or the changes your family has made. It’s important your child doesn’t feel guilty. Give plenty of praise and encouragement to boost their motivation.
- Make sure they are getting plenty of exercise. Go on walks, play physical outdoor games as a family – make exercise a fun and enjoyable experience.
- Remember you are not alone – there are plenty of organisations out there who want to help you and your child through this difficult time. Visit shape-up.org for more advice.
