Child obesity is a major issue in the United States and other Western countries. Children are eating more food and are gaining weight at a very fast pace. Obesity can cause major issues for children because their bodies are going to go through puberty which in and of itself causes changes. If children do not learn healthy eating habits when they are young then they are more at risk to have weight issues as adults. Many children are even developing diabetes, heart issues, and high cholesterol because they consume too much fat and too many calories on a daily basis. Here are some causes of child obesity.
Excessive Portions
Children today are eating much larger food portion than they did thirty or forty years ago. Most parents will fill a whole plate of food for their children and get angry if their child does not clear the entire plate of food. Children should eat not until they are full but until they feel satisfied with what they have eaten. This lowers the number of calories consumed and make sure that the child is eating enough and stays healthy.
Pre-Prepared Foods Are Now the Norm
Many parents buy their children mostly prepared foods. Items such as chicken nuggets, hot dogs, beef ravioli in a can, potato chips, TV dinners, donuts, and other foods are given to children all the time in their lunches. These foods are pre-prepared and are inexpensive but contain a lot of sodium, fat, and calories. If parents want a quick meal to feed their children then a sandwich, homemade pasta and sauce, soup, and other foods are much healthier alternative for children.
Lack of Exercise
Most children now do not exercise very much because they have access to computers, cell phones, and video games on a daily basis. Now, children come home and spend hours paying attention to a screen or talking to their friends. When doing this, many children eat snack foods that have a lot of sugar and calories because they are bored and want something to do. If children do not exercise then like adults they will only continue to gain weight.
Parents Not Setting Healthy Examples
Most parents do not set healthy examples and buy the junk food , soda, and high calorie foods into the house when they grocery shopping every week. Children mimic what they see from their parents so parents need to eat a balanced diet, exercise, and be proactive in teaching their children about health and nutrition. Child obesity causes many health issues for children so it is important for parents to address this issue before it becomes a lifelong habit.