With childhood obesity now being called an
epidemic, Minnesota family physicians want parents to know they
can influence the nutrition and fitness habits of their children.
Studies show that parents play a key role in determining whether
children become overweight. A report published in the Journal of
Pediatrics showed that children with overweight parents were much
more likely to become overweight. While this is in part due to
genetics, researchers believe the primary causes of childhood
obesity are poor eating habits and low levels of physical
activity.
“Kids form habits at an early age,” said
Leslie Ahlers, M.D., a family physician at the Waseca Medical
Center. “Do they see their moms and dads making healthy food
choices? Are moms and dads exercising? If not, it is unlikely
these kids will have a strong desire to eat well or stay fit.”
The latest statistics indicate that one child
in five is overweight. This means more kids than ever before are
at risk for weight-related health problems and diseases like
diabetes.
“While parents aren’t the end-all for
obesity, they can make family lifestyle changes that will help
their kids maintain a healthy weight as they grow,” Dr. Ahlers
said.
Here are some tips to help keep your child at
a healthy weight:
- Be a good role model. If your kids see
you reach for a daily candy bar, instead of an apple, they will
likely do the same. You can help form habits that will last a
lifetime.
- Encourage them to be active. Plan family outings that involve
exercise. Take a walk or go for a bike ride. Go swimming instead
of going to a movie.
- Set guidelines for the amount of time
your children can watch TV, play video games or spend on the
computer. Many experts recommend less than two hours a day.
- Think before you bring it home from the grocery store. Cut
back on sugary or high-fat foods. Encourage your child to
eat fruits, vegetables, low-fat dairy foods and whole grains while
permitting occasional treats. Don't use dessert as a reward.
This just teaches your child to value sweets more than other
foods.
- Keep healthy snacks on hand. Examples include low-fat cheese,
pretzels, yogurt, graham crackers, baby carrots, apples, bananas
or grapes. Children should be encouraged to avoid soft
drinks and other high-calorie, low nutrient beverages.
- Work on serving smaller portions. Many people eat much more than
they need.
- Limit trips through the drive-thru. Don’t eat at fast food
restaurants more than once a week.
- Eat meal together as a family. Turn off the TV.
If you're concerned that your child may be
overweight, you should talk to your family doctor. He or she can
calculate your child’s body mass index (BMI) to see if it falls
within a healthy range and then discuss options for weight loss if
needed.
“While there are plenty of societal factors
working against us,” Dr. Ahlers added. “We as parents can lead our
kids in the right direction by teaching them that eating right and
staying active is not simply a chore, but rather a way of life.”
The Minnesota Academy of Family Physicians is a professional
association of approximately 2,900 family physicians, family
medicine residents and medical students organized to assist family
physicians in providing quality medical care in Minnesota. The MAFP
is the largest medical specialty organization in Minnesota and is a
state chapter of the American Academy of Family Physicians, the
largest medical specialty organization in the United States with
more than 93,000 members.
