In this age and time, nobody is protected from obesity. It may be genetic, but the determining factor for the development of obesity is largely lifestyle. Childhood obesity is a particular concern because it signals the onset of medical problems such as hypertension, cardiovascular conditions, liver diseases, join ailments and diabetes early in life. In addition, obesity in children is debilitating, limiting performance in school and even opportunities to engage in sports or socializing. This article discusses the truth about baby fat and childhood obesity risks and how every family can be protected from it:

Babies are naturally plump – the softer and chubbier they are, the better! They’re built this way because their tiny bodies constantly need calories to keep themselves warm. Once a baby learns to cruise, walk and run, he or she gains muscles and loses some of that pudginess. That’s why toddlers are leaner than when they were six-month old babies. However, if a child reaches toddlerhood and seems to grow horizontally instead of vertically, he or she may be at risk for childhood obesity. If that cute little double chin doesn’t go away after turning one year old, then it’s probably not harmless baby fat anymore. According to researchers at the Harvard Medical School, a baby who is at the highest 25 percent of body mass index at six months is almost fifty percent most likely to be obese at three years old. Once this happens, there are very little parents can do to stop obesity from skyrocketing. The solution therefore, is prevention.

The problem is, parents are generally oblivious to the fact that their children MAY be obese. They keep thinking that a chubby kid is the perfect picture of health. If one or both parents are heavy, there’s a big chance they will think their chubby kids are nothing short of healthy. It’s natural tendency for parents to be slightly biased when it comes to their kids, so pediatricians recommend considering a child’s weight and well-being not on his or her t-shirt size or waist line. These are not good indicators for obesity risks. The best way to stop obesity in its tracks is to pay close attention to a child’s weight and height ratio. Weight that is increasing faster than height for age is alarming.

The truth is, children are natural mimics. They do whatever their parents do, so if a parent gulps several bottles of soda every day, it won’t be surprising that a child’s preferred drink with every meal is cola or soda. The following are helpful tips against obesity in children, but ultimately, a child’s health mimics a parent’s, so it is crucial that parents set healthy examples at all times:

Choose wholesome drinks.

Juice boxes and sodas have unbelievable levels of calories. Some decades ago, children had milk with their cookies, but now, they want sugary juices and sodas. If your child insists on juice, make it naturally from real fruit.

Keep your dishes proportionate.

This is the age of Supersize, but that doesn’t mean you should go with the flow. Your child will appreciate portions of meat, veggies, fruit and carbs on her plate which doesn’t necessarily have to be full and loaded. It’s not about quantity, it’s about quality.

Introduce only healthy foods.

Despite busy schedules, never go for fast food or processed items because children learn to love food by what they are commonly fed. In short, if you feed your toddler plenty of vegetables and not introduce the greasy taste of French fries, he or she will have no problems finishing up greens on his or her plate. But make Spam and hotdogs your child’s first foods, and suffer the wrath.

Move it.

Diet is not enough to conquer obesity. Give your children meaningful activities and sports. Recreation helps them tone their muscles and burn excess calories. You don’t want them worrying about the shape of their abs when they are two, but you’re actually doing them a favour and helping them achieve positive body image as they grow. Exercise with your kids regularly – get them a bike and cruise around the neighbourhood. Play hoops in the backyard. If you’re going to the supermarket, have them walk with you instead of taking the car.

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