Fight Against Childhood Obesity: Family Support An Important Factor

These days, a lot of children are either overweight or obese. Different factors contribute to this condition; and while the government can help prevent it, every family has an important role as well in the fight against childhood obesity.

More or less a quarter of Australian children aged five to 17 are either obese or overweight, according to the Australian Bureau of Statistics. This is quite alarming because overweight children are at bigger risk of becoming overweight as adults and developing various health problems like high blood pressure, high cholesterol, type 2 diabetes, and heart disease.

In her article in The Age, Teresa Cutter stressed that it is time parents get their children involved in the preparation of healthy foods. She used to be chubby, but her Polish aunt inspired her to eat healthier foods. She accompanied her aunt in the vegetable garden and helped her cook family meals. Her aunt also encouraged her to play sport.

Increased energy intake in the form of energy-dense and nutrient-poor food and drinks is among the factors contributing to childhood obesity. Increased sedentary lifestyle is another factor.

In the midst of the fight against childhood obesity, the International Journal of Obesity said that the family has the biggest influence on the children’s choice of food. Studies likewise suggest that kids tend to do what their parents do; hence when the latter regularly eat fruits and vegetables, the former do as well. For this reason, it is important for the parents to lead by example.

Meanwhile, CBC News likewise pointed out that the fight against childhood obesity is not just about the weight but also about the health. It also reported about the need for concerted effort in the part of parents and government to fight childhood obesity in Canada. This is according to Dr. Tom Warshawski who is the director of the Childhood Obesity Foundation. As of writing, obesity has affected nearly a third of Canadian children. Among the tips that Warshawski recommends are sticking to a recommended diet, parents buying healthy food, and making the fight against childhood obesity a family battle.

Indeed, preventing and getting rid of childhood obesity is becoming a serious problem in different parts of the world. People need a considerable amount of discipline to attain such goal.