Obesity is no longer associated with adults, it is widely seen among children as well. Prolonged obesity can give rise to diabetes, coronary heart disease, arthritis, etc. So, it is important for kids to maintain their weight. Here are some weight loss program for kids.
Most parents today are concerned about their child's weight. Bad eating habits and lack of physical activity have led to the rise of childhood obesity. There are many reasons for it. Primary reason as mentioned being lack of physical activity, is the result of many factors such as computer games, TV, and even internet.
This is further compounded with the intake of unhealthy food such as fast foods, oily food, and food with large quantities of sugar and salt in it. Children who are obese find it hard to lose weight later in life, and there are chances of them suffering from problems such as diabetes, heart diseases, stroke, and perhaps arthritis at an early age.
Hence, childhood obesity must be taken seriously with a collaborative effort between the parents and the children.
Fighting Childhood Obesity
There are several things parents can do to ensure that their child's weight reduces to the level recommended by a nutritionist or a doctor for a particular age group to which the child belongs.
Acknowledge
Denial of a visible problem is a major concern. Many parents generally deny the obesity of their kids, which could be out of their love and care. However, it does not help reduce weight.
Hence, the first step towards a weight loss program is to understand and acknowledge that there is a problem. If parents continue to deny the problem, then it is going to be hard to reduce weight.
Exercise
Exercise can reduce weight and bring flexibility to the body. If the child does not exercise, he/she will grow fat. Reducing food intake is an option, but that should not be considered, because, it can further reduce the child's energy level, if he is doing exercises.
Parents should find sports which their children will enjoy, and encourage them to walk or cycle everyday. They can also take their children to parks and engage them in field games.
Diet
If post exercise, the child's weight does not reduce, then parents can consider preparing a weight loss diet. This would ideally reduce the fat, sodium intake, and maximize the intake of fiber and protein. A combination of regular exercise and diets will be a good program. However, a nutritionist's opinion is recommended for the diet plan.
Motivation
Losing weight is a hard job, and hence, parents have to continuously motivate their children. It is hard for them to diet, as they are used to having foods of their choice, such as ice creams, pizzas, etc., which are not healthy.
But, to motivate them, parents can also follow the diet plan for a certain period of time, until they are used to it. This would ensure that the children do not stop the diet plan midway, and succeed in reducing weight