How to prevent obesity in kids?

Team Udayavani, Oct 1, 2024, 2:37 PM IST

Obesity in many children is the result of poor eating habits (too many calories) and lack of physical activity. As most of these habits develop early in childhood, attempts to prevent obesity must also be made early.

Read this blog to learn how to motivate kids to adopt healthy habits that will eventually help them beat obesity. Moreover, explore some kids health drinks suggestions to satiate your kids’ hunger pangs.

Helping Children with Obesity

For most young children, weight loss is not a good approach because their bodies are in a growing and developing phase. Obese children should not be kept on a diet unless a medical professional monitors them for medical purposes. A limited diet may not provide energy or nutrients for normal growth and development.

For most extremely young children, the goal should be to maintain present weight while that child grows normally in height. In order to meet the nutritional goals, kids can be given multivitamin gummies or other nutritional supplements after the doctor’s advice.

Healthy Habits for Children to Overcome Obesity

Kids need to be taught to have a positive attitude toward food and physical activity without stressing over body weight. Here’s what parents can do:

● Have your kids eat meals and snacks elsewhere than in front of the TV or mobile. Eating without focusing on the meal can divert the attention from the hunger and fullness cues that may result in overeating.
● Involve children in the processes of planning, shopping, and preparing meals. These can be optimal learning opportunities for knowing children’s preferences for tastes, learning about nutrient needs, and encouraging children to be exposed to numerous foods.
● Give them maximum nutrition by including multiple food groups in moderate portions. You can give them fruits, vegetables, grains, low-sugar cereals, low-fat dairy products and meat. Make sure that the kids don’t end up overeating even these.
● Be an active model for your kids. Participate in regular family physical activity times such as post-meal walks, hikes, bike rides, and active games.
● Limit sedentary lifestyle habits in kids, such as watching TV, playing video games, and using the computer to 1 to 2 hours per day.
● Buy fewer high-calorie, low-nutrient foods. Educate children that sweets and high-fat treats – edibles such as candy, cookies, or cake – are not normal fare for the table. But banishing these items completely off the menu is not advisable either. This creates a food culture where kids are more likely to overeat.

If your kids feel hungry too often, you can offer them some best health drink for kids that won’t lead to weight gain and also maintain fluid balance. Here are a few suggestions:

1. Skimmed cow milk
2. Low-fat buttermilk
3. Lemonade
4. Coconut water
5. Berry smoothie
6. Banana shake

In a Nutshell

Kids who tend to overeat, have too much junk food, or stay inactive most of the time are most likely to be on the radar of obesity. In order to manage kids’ weight, parents need to introduce various diet and lifestyle changes that are practical and easy for kids to begin with.

Sudden dietary changes may not appeal to kids; therefore, parents need to practice moderation and patience and encourage kids to adhere to healthier lifestyle habits. Focus on mindful eating, having a balanced meal and healthy drink in proportion, and incorporating a more active playtime. You can also get help from a certified nutritionist to promote healthy weight management in kids.