Today’s children are spending less time outside playing and more time in front of a television, computer, or other electronic pastime. Likewise, families are so busy that they choose frozen prepared meals and fast food over nutritious home-made meals.

These two factors have led to a rise in the number of overweight children in the United States

Obesity can lead to high blood pressure which may cause more serious problems later in life such as cardiovascular diseases. In order to prevent overweight children, parents must be an example of healthy eating, exercising, and taking preventative measures to live a healthy lifestyle.

Obesity in children can lead to physical and physiological complications. Health conditions like type 2 diabetes, high cholesterol, bone and joint problems, asthma, and trouble sleeping may arise as well as low self esteem from reactions from peers. Children experiencing weight problems may be more prone to develop eating disorders, depression, substance abuse, and unhealthy eating habits. There is an increased risk of more serious medical problems as adults in overweight children.

Healthy weight in children begins with healthy living. The entire family should commit to healthy eating and regular exercise. Encourage them to be involved in the planning, shopping, and preparing meals so they can learn how to make good food choices. Plan daily bike rides or walks through the park with the family to form habits for working out.

There are some specific things parents can do at every age to encourage a healthy lifestyle for children. Children birth to age one may have reduced chance of weight gain due to breastfeeding as they are more able to follow their own hunger cues and control their intake. Healthy eating habits can start with children ages two to six. Providing them with a variety of healthy food choices will help shape food preferences. Between the ages seven and twelve children often become very active. They often want to join team sports or play outside with neighborhood friends. Encourage them to be active everyday in some kind of way. Once children hit their teens they are often involved in so many extracurricular activities and socializing that they opt for fast food than preparing healthy meals. Continue to encourage and teach them to choose healthy meals both at home and out on the run. At any age, limited time should be spent in front of the television, computer, or video game. Encourage children to eat breakfast every day, incorporate healthy foods, and exercise daily.

Above all, parents should be encouraging, tell their children how much they are loved no matter what their weight, and that their well being is in their best interest.