Kids and young adults these days seem to be afflicted with conditions that used to be only present in adults. Heart problems, high cholesterol levels, diabetes and many other such diseases are increasingly found among this age group. Obesity is another such problem gathering attention among parents. In definition, obesity is a medical condition where an individual puts on excessive weight due to unrestrained accumulation of body fat causing negative effects on the body.

Modern day habits and lifestyle are reducing physical activities and increasing consumption of unhealthy food which is the major cause of obesity among young adults. It’s the duty of parents to intervene and take some steps to combat obesity among their children.

1. Make favorite dishes healthier
Break the myth that healthy can’t be tasty. You can make almost any dish healthier by just making a few changes. Switch from maida to atta, white bread to brown bread, corn flakes to wheat flakes, sugar to natural sweeteners, to name a few.

 

2. Promote an active life
It’s better to practice what you preach when it comes to kids, especially adolescents. Lace up your sneakers and go for a run with your kids. You can also introduce variation in physical activities by indulging in dance, swimming, sports, or even traditional activities like jumping rope. It’s essential that kids and teens workout at least an hour on most days, if not every day.

 

3. Reduce sedentary time
In addition to physical activity, it is also important to keep your kids away from laziness, other than their study and rest time. You should limit time slots for television viewing, video games, internet surfing, and other leisure activities.

 

4. Take medical help
It is also essential to be fully aware of your child’s health situation, and for that you must seek medical help. Consult a doctor and check if your child needs some medical support to help combat obesity.

 

5. Be patient
It’s not a race, don’t try to force your children. Incorporate changes slowly and organically. Create new family routines and increase the intensity by the week. Help them in this journey and be patient with them. There will be results, maybe not instantly, but soon enough.

 

References:

https://www.cdc.gov/healthyweight/children/index.html

https://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/the-teenage-mind/201007/adolescent-obesity