Kids and Obesity – On Family’s Health
March 9, 2009 by Tisha Tolar
Filed under Health Issues, Nutrition
Childhood obesity has become a national epidemic and a crisis for the family’s health concern. It is estimated that 15% of the population’s kids are overweight with another 15% of 
today’s youth are at risk for becoming obese. Two-thirds of the nation’s overweight children will go into adulthood still obese.
Obesity in children is sometimes caused by genetics but a more common reason is improper diets, eating too many calories, and a lack of exercise. Children are often on the fast track to becoming obese because the entire family does not practice healthy eating habits and parent need to be positive role models when it comes to kids and food.
Children who have high body fat content at a young age can be taught a more healthy lifestyle but it indeed is a family affair. Without the proper support system in the family unit, obesity can become a serious health problem. Families as a whole can get on the right track to managing food intake in a positive way.
Here are some basic tips for helping children avoid problems with weight and the health issues that go along with obesity:
Change the Family Behavior
It can be difficult to get your entire family on the same page but with small changes that gradually grow into more significant ones is very possible. Be realistic about the changes you want to incorporate into your family. Set goals that are achievable and keep building on new challenges. Simply moving dinner to the kitchen instead of in front of the television can make a huge difference in how your family eats.
Get Everyone Involved
No matter how old your family members are, get them involved and excited about the changes coming. As parents, your children will look up to you so keep things exciting to help motivate everyone. If you appear to be pumped about the changes, chances are good your children will too.
Set Goals for the Family
Create a visual by making a “Goal Board”. Hang it on the wall in a family area so everyone can see what changes are to be made. From better eating habits to physical activities, everyone will benefit from being able to see what is new. For younger children, incorporate pictures to help them understand family goals.
Be Patience
Any change can be difficult so expect setbacks. Pay attention to the triggers that enable family members to make poor eating choices or choice procrastination over exercise. By understanding how your family reacts to certain situations, you will be able to better equip family members to make better choices. Remember to be flexible about the changes you want to incorporate. Some ideas and changes will work better than others. Be prepared to continually make changes to accommodate everyone’s needs.
Reward Successes
Incentives can really keep families, especially kids, motivated to keep moving forward. Verbal praise is key for ongoing success but when the family as a whole meets the goals set forth for the week, additional incentives such as a bowling party or a night at the movies is something for the family to strive towards.
Promote Better Eating Habits
If you are the family shopper, stop buying junk foods to keep in the house. Instead, stock up on fresh fruits and vegetables and research healthy recipes to make at home. Promote drinking water instead of sodas and find new ideas for after-school snacks to keep the new foods interesting, especially to children. Let the kids help plan the menu. The more involved kids can be in the meal process, the more likely they are to be excited and fully cooperate with the changes. Research portion control when doling out dinner and snacks. Start reading labels and teach your children how to do the same.
Get Out and Play
As parents, it is not enough to send your kids outside to play on their own. Parents must get involved in the physical activities, not only for their own health’s sake but also to remain a positive role model for kids. Plan trips to the park, daily walks, weekend hikes, and other physical activities into your daily schedule. Turn off the television and limit the amount of time video games can be played each week. Seek out family activities, such as a charity walk, that your entire family can get motivated to participate in together. Even though families maintain busy schedules with work and school, there should always be time carved out to include physical exercise.
A healthier family is a happier family.
