The Long-Term Effects of Childhood Obesity

In the United States alone, more than 2.5 million people die every year as a direct result of being obese or overweight. The good news here, if there is any to take away from this, is that obesity is largely preventable.

A major problem is the sugar and salt in the typical child’s diet. Even if you limit the amount of salt and sugar you add to your child’s meals, it is most likely already packed into the food you are feeding her. Processed food, any food that comes in a wrapper, leads to higher rates of obesity than unprocessed food, whole foods, fruits and vegetables.

Drinking lots of water, getting plenty of rest and exercising regularly are also components to a healthy lifestyle that fights obesity in children, as well as adults. The idea here is to focus on your child’s entire approach to health and fitness, not just one individual component.

Today’s plugged in the world presents challenges for parents looking to keep their child active. The present generation is the first to be raised entirely in the digital world. Whether your child is a toddler, tween or teen, she is growing up with a smartphone and computer as a major part of her life. This can lead to a sedentary lifestyle, which when coupled with poor nutrition, is the perfect recipe for childhood obesity.

If a lifetime of poor health and low self-esteem is not what you hope for your children, get them active. Adopt a healthy eating routine as a family. Limit electronic engagement. Make sure they are getting plenty of water and rest. These combined actions will give your children the best chance at living happy, healthy lives, as both children and adults.