The study involved more than 5,700 healthy children ages 2 -
6 who visited pediatricians in Rome between 2011 and 2012. Of these children,
about 600 (about 10 percent) had become overweight or obese within the last
year, and the researchers ran detailed blood tests about 200 of these children
for the study.
The findings show that the metabolic abnormalities linked
with obesity are present in young children, even though these children have
only been overweight or obese for a short period of time. "Our results
suggest that the risk for metabolic abnormalities related to obesity begins to
manifest early in the natural history of weight gain," the researchers,
from the Bambino Gesù Children’s Hospital in Italy, wrote in the Aug. 11 issue
of the journal JAMA Pediatrics.
The study found that “nearly 40 percent of these children had
at least one abnormal reading in their metabolism — such as high blood
pressure, high cholesterol, elevated blood sugar or low levels of
"good" cholesterol — which, in studies of adults, have been linked
with an increased risk of heart disease and diabetes. About one-third of the
children had nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, or a buildup of fat deposits in
the liver.” Obese children with such
abnormal results also had a higher body mass index (BMI) than obese children
without metabolic abnormalities.
How can parents encourage their children to be physically
from the time they’re babies? In my
opinion, make physical activities and games FUN for the whole family! The key to successful participation is
creativity and positive reinforcement as well as scheduling a regular time
during the week as “family playtime” so children will learn to emulate their
parents. Families need to work - and
play - together to enhance physical fitness while building stronger
relationships. With an integrated
approach, parents, grandparents and children can create fun, recreational games
that also increase self-esteem - and help families bond - while increasing
kids' physical activity.
• Celebrate the final
days of summer and get moving!
Schedule one afternoon a week for the family to do yard work
together. (Even if your toddler just
plays in the dirt with sticks.) Studies
show that you can burn about 350 calories an hour mowing the lawn or 175 calories
for 30 minutes of raking the beginning of the fall leaves. Not only will you get a great workout, your
yard will look great too.
• Rest. Researchers at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg
School of Public Health have found a correlation between childhood obesity and
the amount of sleep a child receives each night. The fewer hours of nightly sleep, the higher
the risk for becoming overweight or obese.
• Focus on your
child’s health, not his weight.
Childhood and adolescence are difficult enough for most children and
self-esteem can suffer – especially if the child is heavier. Parents can help by making sure their kids
are active and learn to make good food choices.
• Play actively.
It’s critical to keep your kids moving throughout the day as much as possible
(and to join in on the fun when you can).
Physical activity naturally stimulates chemicals that help clear glucose
out of the blood and helps to prevent diabetes.
For most kids, 60 minutes or more of physical activity is recommended
daily. (For more ideas to help your kids - and entire family - stay fit, check
out Tips for Getting Active by the National Heart Lung, & Blood Institute
(NHLBI)).
Obesity among the young isn't a problem that's going to
magically fix itself. Make a difference in your kids' lives and get moving – as
a family!
Is your child or family in need of fitness assistance? Fitness for Health can help your family
create a healthy, active lifestyle while having fun. We offer customized exercise programs
designed to fit your exact needs and help you reach your unique health goals.
And, we offer family workouts and Open Gym playtimes (beginning again after
Labor Day) so families can become active together. Visit www.FitnessForHealth.org
to learn about our programs or call us at 301-231-7138.
I'm so glad you brought up this important topic! Childhood obesity is a serious problem that is only getting worse. As the article mentions, overweight preschoolers are more likely to have risk factors for heart disease and diabetes later in life. This is why it's so important to start addressing childhood obesity early.
ReplyDeleteThere are a number of things that parents can do to help their children maintain a healthy weight. These include providing healthy foods, limiting sugary drinks, and encouraging physical activity. If you're struggling to help your child lose weight, I recommend talking to their doctor. They can provide you with personalized advice and resources.
I'm also a children's book author, and I'm passionate about using stories to teach children about healthy habits and giving Children's Book Writing Services to my clients. I've written a book called "The Adventures of Oliver the Overweight Otter" which teaches children about the importance of eating healthy and exercising.
The article highlights the health risks of overweight preschoolers, highlighting the link between obesity and conditions like high blood pressure and fatty liver disease. It emphasizes promoting physical activity from a young age. motorcycle accidents yesterday
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