Weight Loss in Children
by: Cass Hope
What is “too young” to begin a
weight loss program with children? Is there
actually such a thing? There are many different opinions on the
topic of child obesity but one thing everyone can agree on is
that it is becoming an epidemic in North America.
Many reports show that obesity now kills
more people in a year than smoking does.
So whose fault is it? I don’t think there is
any one area of blame but a combination of many. The fast paced
lives that we lead have created more of a demand for “quick”
meals whether they are pre packages or fast foods. The
consumption of junk food is at an all time high with more and
more variety that are all very attractive to our kids. Parents
often think they are doing something nice for their kids when
they give in to the demands of “I have to have that” when they
see the constant advertising of attractive and yummy treats on
television. Lack of exercise, face it many kids to day are just
plain lazy. So is a weight loss program the answer for
overweight and obese kids? My answer is definitely yes. If
however you ask me is the answer to put these kids on a diet…my
answer is definitely NO!
So what is the difference? Weigh loss means changing the way
your child eats in a very positive way. Tell them to eat more
fruits and vegetables because they are healthy for them.
Keeping the junk food out of the house is the best way to make
sure they are not eating it. I don’t mean that an occasional
treat is not ok but the key word here is “occasional.” Watch
their fat intake. Pre packaged foods and fast foods are very
high in fat especially Trans fats which are very dangerous.
More and more companies have realized this danger and are
offering Trans fat free foods. Get your child involved in
physical activities. Today our children’s lives often revolve
around television, video games and computers. The common
negative denominator here is that they all involve just
sitting. These are all excellent ways to help our children with
their weight.
There is a big difference between healthy weight loss and a
diet. A diet is something negative that makes children feel
focused on their size rather than their health. Diet does not
mean healthy it means getting thin any way possible, which is
exactly the opposite of what we want our kids to believe. What
you teach your kids when they are young about eating habits is
the seed you plant for their future and giving our children
good health is in my opinion our responsibility.
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About The Author
Cass Hope is a registered massage therapist who has studied and
counseled in nutrition. Cass regularly contributes to online
and offline publications dealing with weight loss and
nutrition. She is currently sponsoring this site:
www.naturalsuccess.info
article@naturalsuccess.info
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