| n who are overweight may not develop socially | | | | Feeling defeated before they even start, they |
| as fast as their peers. They can become loners, | | | | pass up opportunities to engage in physical |
| finding it difficult to make friends. They may think | | | | activities. |
| that their weight is beyond their control and they | | | | It has been shown that children tend to be heavily |
| may not know what to do in order to attempt to | | | | influenced by advertising. Unfortunately, many |
| prevent weight gain. In essence, obese children | | | | commercials tout foods that can be best classified |
| can become our lost generation. | | | | as unhealthy. Children crave what they see on TV |
| The parents of these children may not realize | | | | and in movie theaters and they may not realize |
| how detrimental obesity is to their children's | | | | what these foods will do to their bodies. Luckily, |
| emotional health. They may consider the obesity | | | | childhood obesity can be successfully conquered. |
| just a passing phase and they may not | | | | Here are a few tips to help your child overcome |
| understand the psychological devastation that | | | | a weight problem: |
| obesity can cause. They may even dismiss the | | | | Encourage your child to take part in sports or |
| concerns of their children, hoping that the problem | | | | dance. If your son or daughter is self-conscious |
| will simply go away. | | | | about being a part of a team, exercise with him |
| The causes of childhood obesity can be complex. | | | | or her. Take out a ball and shoot a few hoops or |
| However, there do appear to be a few identifiable | | | | turn on the stereo and begin to dance. You may |
| triggers. For instance, many families now eat on | | | | be surprised that, with just a little encouragement, |
| the run because of their many commitments. | | | | your child will get up and start moving. |
| Parents may not think they have time to prepare | | | | Consider limiting TV time. Research clearly shows |
| nutritious meals for their children, so they rely on | | | | that TV time is unproductive time for children and |
| fast food and sugary snacks to fill in the gaps. As | | | | teens. If your children spend less time watching |
| a result, children end up eating a diet that's rich in | | | | TV, they may spend more time exercising. |
| fat and sugar but which offers little in the way of | | | | Ban junk food from your home. With a little push, |
| nutritional value. According to the American | | | | children will become accustomed to eating healthy |
| Obesity Association, one third of parents believe | | | | snacks such as fruit and vegetables. |
| their children's dietary habits are worse than theirs | | | | Check with your child's pediatrician to see if he or |
| were during their own childhoods. | | | | she can recommend some specific weight control |
| Another key problem is inactivity. Children watch | | | | strategies. Childhood obesity is a problem, but it is |
| more than a full day's worth of television each | | | | not insurmountable. The greater the interest you |
| week. That's in addition to the hours they devote | | | | show in your child's diet and exercise regimen, the |
| to their computers. As a result, they're not playing | | | | more influence you will have over your child. In |
| outside as much as children of generations past. | | | | time, your child can learn the strategies necessary |
| Also, many children may feel as if they cannot | | | | for a healthy life. |
| participate in sports because of their weight. | | | | |