According to the World Health Organization, obesity is the abnormal or excessive accumulation of fat in the body that may be harmful to health. It occurs when more calories are consumed over a long period than are expended. This excess energy is stored as fat and results in weight gain.
To prevent this disease and disorders such as anorexia and bulimia, it is very important to get children used to eating as a family from a young age and provide them with a varied and balanced diet.
It is proven that eating in front of the television leads to increased food intake because the brain does not register the feeling of fullness, as it is distracted.
Also, it is ideal that children complement their daily school activity with sports routines and outdoor games, to keep them away from the sedentary lifestyle that means spending many hours in front of a TV, computer, or video game.
Obesity has serious health consequences, including joint problems, difficulty breathing, skin disorders, low self-esteem, cardiovascular diseases such as hypertension, stroke, and heart attacks; diabetes and blood fat disorders resulting in high cholesterol and triglycerides. The obese child feels excluded because they cannot share equal physical conditions with their peers, a situation that generates anxiety, behavioral disorders, and learning difficulties. It is worth noting that when obesity occurs at this early stage, it increases the risk of growing into an obese adult and developing chronic diseases at a young age.
Children at home
Preschool and school-age children have particular energy requirements that allow them to grow healthy and strong. At that age, they should eat six meals a day: breakfast, snack, lunch, snack, dinner, and snack.
It is recommended to offer yogurt and fruits in snacks, avoiding sweets, juices, sugary drinks, and sodas; and to incorporate vegetables in the preparation of various foods.
The bottle should not be the main source of feeding after one year of age; serve milk or yogurt in a cup and introduce the use of a spoon. Use your creativity to vary the menu and surprise your children with tasty dishes that include vegetables and fruits.
Learn to reward them with preparations and foods that are not sweets, sugars, fats, or fast food.
Sweets should not be used as a reward or punishment when the child eats or behaves well. It is better to use other alternatives such as walks, games, recreational activities, stickers, or stamps. First, it should be clear that food should not be used as a reward or punishment.
Sweets should not be used as a reward or punishment when the child eats or behaves well. It is better to use other alternatives such as walks, games, recreational activities, stickers, or stamps. First, it should be clear that food should not be used as a reward or punishment.
Physical activity is very important at this age, so babies should be encouraged to play with friends or family outdoors. It is also necessary to teach them to ride a tricycle or bicycle, jump rope, run, throw balls, skate, swim, dance, climb over playground equipment, go up and down stairs, and climb. Playing sports at school is very beneficial; it is important to try to ensure they practice regularly.
The best way to
encourage physical activity in obese children is for parents to exercise together with their children. This measure, together with healthy eating, is effective to accelerate weight loss. Ensure they do at least 30 minutes of physical activity daily, and control the hours spent watching TV, playing video games, or using the computer.
It is very important that the obese child visits the pediatrician regularly and has their blood pressure taken.
It is important to highlight the role breastfeeding plays as a protective agent against obesity and chronic diseases related to diet and nutrition. It is proven that breastfed babies have less weight gain and lower body fat, and this effect increases the longer the breastfeeding lasts. Additionally, some researchers point out that early protein intake raises the risk of a higher body mass index (BMI). Breast milk contains between 60% and 70% less protein and 10% to 18% fewer calories than formulas.
Additionally, malnutrition during the first year of life can program metabolism to save energy. If later that individual consumes excess food, that mechanism triggers the development of chronic diet- and nutrition-related diseases such as obesity.
To reverse this trend, it is essential to promote exclusive breastfeeding on demand for at least the first six months of the baby’s life. Then complement breastfeeding with the gradual introduction of other foods, one at a time, according to the pediatrician’s recommendation.
Another fact
It is not advisable to include sweets in the school lunchbox since sugar in candy suppresses appetite but does not nourish, and excess salt can be harmful to health. Agree with your child when they can have a treat.
To reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases in the baby’s adult life, it is necessary to monitor the mother’s nutritional status before and after conception, as well as her weight gain during pregnancy.
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