Dealing with Childhood Obesity

According to statistics, more and more children in the UK are becoming overweight and it starts early – with one in ten six-year-olds already identified as obese. If the problem continues into a child’s teens, they are more likely to be obese as adults too.

As well as the emotional problems and low self-esteem that affect many overweight children, there are serious health implications. For example, they are more likely to suffer from type II diabetes, high blood pressure, stroke and heart disease later in life.

Most experts agree that obesity is rarely caused by a medical problem. It is usually the result of several factors, including lack of exercise and unhealthy eating habits.

Introducing a Healthy Diet

A weight-loss diet is not appropriate for children, unless they are under medical supervision. It’s better if they ‘grow into’ a more appropriate weight, which is best achieved by changing poor eating habits so that they’re eating a normal, healthy diet:

• Make sure children are getting a good balance of carbohydrates, proteins, fats, vitamins, minerals and fibre
• Sit down to eat together as a family as much as possible
• If you go out to eat, steer clear of fast food restaurants
• Don’t keep junk food, sugary drinks or high fat snacks in the house
• Do have plenty of healthy snacks available, like fresh fruit, whole grain breads and crackers, raw vegetables and whole grain breakfast cereals
• Encourage children to help with meal planning and cooking
• Make sure they understand how good food helps to keep people healthy, but don’t make it too personal
• Set a good example. The whole family needs to adopt good eating habits if it’s going to work, not just the child who is overweight.

Getting Some Exercise

Life tends to be less active these days and it can be difficult for children to get enough exercise. Many parents worry about their safety if they let them out to play and many children will opt to watch TV or play on the computer rather than go outside.

• If school is near enough, walking there and back is a great way to get exercise. Older children could walk with friends, helping their independence and self-esteem at the same time.
• If walking to school seems impractical – for example, if parents want to drop their children off on the way to work or the roads are very busy - see if the school can set up a scheme like a ‘walking bus’. Or get together with other local parents and take it in turns accompany them.
• Encourage children to join sports clubs, after-school activities and youth groups
• Go out together as a family for walks, bike rides, swimming, ice skating, ball games, dancing – anything you enjoy. Let the children help choose activities.
• Set a daily limit on the amount of time children can spend watching TV and playing computer games.
• Leave the car behind as often as possible. Many children care deeply about environmental issues, so they’ll probably support this idea if it’s sold in the right way.

Provide Loving Support

Children with weight problems can be very sensitive about it. Don’t focus too closely on them – a low key ‘whole family’ approach is much better. Try to avoid using food as treats or rewards. It’s best to take the focus off food and provide plenty of attention, comfort and encouragement in other ways.

Getting Help

If things don’t improve or a child is very seriously overweight, it’s best to get specialist help. The GP or health visitor is a good place to start. They can also help with other problems like depression or low self-esteem.