Statistics show that one in ten people in the UK aged between 5 and 19 is obese.
The global cost of treating ill health caused by obesity will exceed £920bn every year from 2025. Obese children are likely to become obese adults, putting them at risk of serious health problems, such as type 2 diabetes and heart disease.
How Do You Know If Your Child Is Obese?
The best way to check is by checking their body mass index (BMI) to see if their weight falls within the healthy range for their height - according to the Department of Health.
How You Can Help If Your Child Is Obese:
Lead by Example
Experts believe one of the most powerful ways to encourage your child to eat well and be active is to do so yourself, as children learn by example.
NHS Choices advises that any changes made to a child's diet and lifestyle are much more likely to be accepted if the changes involve the whole family.
Encourage Exercise
Children are recommended to have 60 minutes of exercise a day. However, this can be done in several short bursts (such as 10 minutes) throughout the day.
An effective way to fit in more exercise is by swapping the car and walking to school or having an evening walk to get the whole family moving.
Eat Healthily
Children and adults are both encouraged to have 5 or more portions or fruit and vegetables a day. Watch out for smoothies and fruit juice however, as when blended they release natural sugars.
Child-Sized Portions
Research experts advise avoiding adult-sized plates for younger children. This is because it encourages them to eat more than they need. It is also advised to encourage children to eat slowly and have set meal times.
Talk and Listen
Talk to children from a young age openly and honestly about food as a positive thing. Take the focus away from body image and focus on health. Boosting self esteem can work well to encourage childrens confidence and reinforce positive views with food.
It is highly important to remind children that everyone is different shapes and sizes, and health is the most important thing.
More Sleep
Sleep is important for children as it has been shown that those who do not have the recommended amount of sleep are more likely to be overweight.
Researchers found that children who had less sleep in their earlier years were at greater risk of having a higher BMI in the future.
For more information and tips, visit the NHS Choices or Change4Life.
Active Superstars
At Setps2Sport we encourage children to become active for life, through work in both Schools and the community. We do this by teaching fun sports activities that give all children the same opportunity to become fit and healthy, which helps reduce Obesity levels.
To find out more, contact us at info@activesuperstars.co.uk or phone 0121 222 5464.
