Lifestyle Changes to Prevent Childhood Obesity

What is Childhood Obesity?

Obesity is determined based on an individual’s Body Mass Index (BMI). When a child between the ages 2 to 13 has a BMI at or above 95 percentile, they are categorised as obese. Childhood obesity is a complex disease which can happen because of many reasons. 

Some of the reasons children exhibit obesity are:

• Physical activity levels
• Eating patterns
• Sleeping patterns
• Genetics

While it is difficult to control genetics, by adopting simple lifestyle changes in the other three areas we can help prevent childhood obesity.

What steps can be taken to prevent childhood obesity? 

1. Eating Patterns:

Eating patterns are one of the most efficient ways to prevent obesity. The entire family needs to adopt healthy eating patterns for children to eat healthy.

Here are some methods to include healthy eating in your everyday lives:

• • Avoid having meals or snacks while watching TV because it becomes difficult to judge your hunger. 
  • Advocate for a balanced diet including nutrients from all food groups.
  • Avoid regular consumption of foods with high sugar content but low nutrients
  • Don’t label foods as ‘good’ or ‘bad’. Any food should be eaten only in moderation.
  • DO NOT use food as a reward or withhold food as a punishment.

2. Physical Activity:

Physical activity is an important way to keep obesity at bay. The sedentary lifestyle in urban areas leads to a reduction in physical activity thereby increasing the risk of obesity.

Here are some suggestions to involve children in regular physical activity:

• • Adopt a sport that can be practised as a family
  • Include time for regular physical activity in your everyday schedule
  • Going for a walk, riding a bicycle, and doing chores around the house all contribute towards maintaining physical fitness
  • Reduce passive activities like watching TV, playing video games or even reading books for extended periods 

3. Sleeping Schedules:

We often underestimate the power of good sleeping schedules in increasing the risk of obesity. Research has found a direct relation between incomplete sleep schedules and increased eating habits. 

• • Set regular sleep timings
  • Avoid stimulating activities like watching TV or listening to high tempo music after dinner
  • Create a consistent routine before sleeping that includes brushing and getting ready for bed

Adopting simple changes in our daily lives can go a long way to ensuring the health of our children. Collaborating with early childhood care providers and preschools to develop healthy living is a worthwhile investment in a child’s future. We at Giggles & Scribbles School, pay the utmost attention and support a child’s nutritious upbringing by ensuring active sports activities and healthy eating patterns. To know more about our services, please contact – +919225683753.

IMPORTANT DISCLAIMER – Obesity is identified as a disease and is different from a child simply being overweight as compared to their peers. Diagnosing obesity involves a lot of factors. Diagnosis of obesity and its correctional methods SHOULD ONLY BE DONE BY LICENSED PAEDIATRICIAN.