Parents are often faced with the difficult task of encouraging their overweight children to make healthy changes. Admitting that your child is overweight or obese can be challenging for any parent, but it does not have to be a source of shame. There are many ways parents can help encourage healthier lifestyles in their children without pushing them too hard.
In this blog, we will discuss a few of the ways that parents can encourage overweight children.
Why do children become overweight?
There are many reasons why people gain weight, but the most common reason is an inactive lifestyle and poor eating habits. Parents can prevent their children from gaining excess weight by making healthy changes in their lifestyles. It includes everything from setting a good example to encouraging active playtime for your children.
Possible problems for overweight children
Overweight children can face many issues throughout their lives. Some of the possible problems include:
Depression: Children who are overweight or obese may be teased by classmates who can cause low self-esteem and depression. The best way to combat this is to encourage your child's active participation in activities at school, like sports or clubs that they enjoy doing with friends.
Poor self-image: Overweight children often have a hard time accepting the fact that they are overweight. This can lead to low self-esteem and poor body image, which can carry into adulthood if not addressed early on.
Diabetes: Research has shown that being obese or overweight as a child doubles your chances of developing type two diabetes.
Heart Disease and High Blood Pressure: The more weight a person carries on their body, the harder the heart has to work. This can lead to high blood pressure or even coronary heart disease.
Is my Children overweight?
The best way to determine if your child is overweight or obese is to calculate their BMI (body mass index). To do this, you need his height and weight. Simply use the following equation:
BMI = Weight in Pounds / [Height in inches x Height in inches]
If your child's BMI falls above the 85th percentile, they are considered overweight. Children who fall above the 95th percentile on the BMI chart are obese. If your child falls between these percentiles, it is not too late to make a change.
Ways to encourage your Overweight children to make healthy changes
There are many ways that parents can help encourage healthier lifestyles in their children. Some of the ways you can encourage your child include:
Create a Healthy Environment
As your child's role model, it is important to show them healthy habits. Replace items you know are unhealthy with healthier alternatives. Try eating healthy with your children to motivate them and plan exercises with them to kit them healthy. You can start playing soccer, volleyball, or basketball in your backyard. Moreover, on weekends you can go for a weekend hike or camping.
Eat a Healthy Balanced Diet
Research has shown that children whose parents eat a more balanced diet and limit the amount of junk food in their home tend to have higher nutrient intakes than those who do not. Make time for regular family meals.
Limit Screen Time
Too much screen time can lead to weight gain and under-activity in children, so it is important to limit the amount of time your child spends watching TV or playing video games. Also, set aside at least 30 minutes a day for active playtime with your kids, whether it's exploring outdoors or joining an after-school sport.
Encourage Active Play
Create a safe environment for your child to play that encourages physical activity rather than sedentary behavior. You can do this by getting rid of televisions and video games in their bedrooms, encouraging active play during family time, and offering them choices between different types of activities when it comes to recreation.
Motivate your child to lose weight
One of the most important things you can do for your overweight child is to help them stay motivated. Make an effort to recognize and praise their efforts, even if they are small. Always remember that it takes time and patience when making changes in lifestyle habits. Your children's physical health is important, but their mental health is just as important.
Getting Started
If your children are currently overweight, make a plan with their doctors to get them on the right track. You can also get in touch with your pediatrician to understand how you can help your child lose weight. To get the best pediatrician in Dubai services, visit MyPedia Clinic. It is one of the leading pediatric clinics in Dubai with a team of experienced and qualified doctors.
Call us now at +971559311752 for an appointment today.
