Obesity during adolescence can often continue during adulthood. Those who are obese (severely overweight) are more likely to suffer from arthritis, asthma, high blood pressure, heart complications, and may also have a shorter life-expectancy. In a new study, it was found that obese adolescents were 16 time more likely to be severely obese in adulthood when compared to those who were normal weight or overweight during adolescence. Parents can help prevent obesity and promote a healthy lifestyle in their children by starting with these few options:
- Purchase fewer sodas and high-calorie snack foods and replace these with nourishing alternatives. An example of a healthy after-school snack would be a glass of milk, an apple, and whole grain bread with peanut butter and jam
- Make sure your children eat breakfast
- Cut back on fast-foods. If you don't have much prep time try getting the kids involved in making sandwiches, wraps, burritos, pizza (buy the shells and have the kids add their favorite veggies), and whole wheat pasta. Another alternative would be to cook in large batches and freeze meals for later (e.g. lentil soup)
- Plan physically active family trips such as going for a bike ride, walk, jog, hike, or swim
It is important to also know that children need enough calories, protein and nutrients to grow and develop. Children have greater needs than adults. So before you put your child on a strict diet and start limiting their food, consult a physician or dietitian to determine if such action is necessary, or if simply making a few small changes will do the trick!
Information Source:
http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/videos/news/obesity_threat_111010.html
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