Childhood Obesity Causes and Prevention

Childhood obesity is a serious problem that puts children at risk for other health problems. Children who carry too much body fat for their bodies are considered obese. Eating too much food and not getting enough physical activity can lead to being too heavy. Sometimes culture and beliefs can also affect a child’s weight. 

Some cultures or family members believe a heavy child means a strong child and will give the child more food then what the child needs. Provide your child with healthy foods that do not have a lot of fat, sugar, and salt and make sure your child gets plenty of physical activity everyday to keep the body strong.

Sometimes the people who love your child the most can be causing your child’s weight problem. Some family members make children eat second or third helpings or give unhealthy snacks and high sugar drinks. Talk with your family about health problems of childhood obesity and what types of foods you want your child to eat. Encourage your family members to share their culture with your child instead of focusing on food. 
 

Although fry bread is common in many tribes, fry bread is not a traditional food. The bread is high in calories and can lead to weight gain when eaten often. Select foods that grow in your community. Foods are more likely to be healthy when boiled, grilled, or baked and not fried. 
 

Encourage children to be physically active for 60 minutes every day instead of watching too much television or sitting at the computer for more than 2 hours. You can also have your child take an active part in their culture by playing traditional games or take up running. Most of all encourage your child to play outside when possible – this will encourage running and playing.  

If you are concerned about your child’s weight, talk with your doctor or a dietitian to get information on what about types of foods are healthy and how much a child should eat. Share your culture and traditions with your health care provider so both of you can set up a plan that will help your child reach a healthy weight

Childhood Obesity Dealing with Stress  

Stress is a feeling that can make you feel nervous or even angry when you don’t know why you are nervous or angry. When a child or teen is stressed it may cause them to overeat which can lead to being too heavy. Being overweight can also be hard for a child or teen to deal with. Below are some reasons why children overeat and ways to deal with them.

Feeling stress can cause overeating – which can lead to obesity. Many people today, especially young people, are now living a hectic and stressful lifestyle. Because they live this kind of life, they tend to eat comfort foods to get rid of stress.

Stress can make you feel hungry even though you just ate. Because of this reason, you will tend to eat more portions and at fast food chains serving food portions that are high in fat, sugar and salt than what is recommended by dietitians and nutritionists.

When a child is nervous, sad or scared, they may not know how to cope with those feelings and overeat. If you notice your child eating more than normal or putting on weight, speak with your child about sharing his/her feelings they may be hiding. If there have been changes at home that affect your child, talk with them about ways to deal with those feelings. 
 

Being a teen can be a tough time since they worry about many things such as bad grades, going to a new school, bullies, and what friends may think about them. Keep in touch with your teen; it may be helpful for them to be involved in sports and hobbies that will occupy their mind in a healthy way. Keep healthy snacks on hand such as cut-up veggies and fruits, water, low-fat yogurt and milk. 
 

When a child is overweight they may get teased by other children and adults who cause them to feel bad about themselves. Overweight children sometimes look older because of their size and are treated differently than other kids their own age. It will be helpful for the child to learn to speak up for themselves and learn to ask questions when they don’t understand. 
 

Being sad can cause a child or teen to have little energy and not get any physical activity. Any type of physical activity will help your child deal with stress in a healthy way especially when it is fun. Try something different that you can do together such as rock climbing, yoga, swimming or an active video game.

Keep your child active and keep healthy food and snacks on hand. Let your child or teen know you are available to talk. Speak with a health care provider about getting help for your child if you feel he or she needs it. Defeat obesity by first defeating stress.

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