A Step in the Right Direction for Lowering the Rates of Childhood Obesity

On Tuesday, exciting news hit the stands as it was announced on the cover of the New York Times that in the past decade, there has been a 43% drop in the rates of childhood obesity among 2-5 year old children in the U.S. This has been the first extensive decline in the obesity epidemic and for the first time we are hopeful that we are on the right track to preventing a disease that often leads to a lifelong struggle with weight and an increased risk for certain diseases. Lowering the rates of obesity among preschool aged children is so important because evidence has shown that children who are considered obese at 3-5 years old are five times as likely to be overweight in adulthood.

Though this news has shown that great progress is being made, the rate of obesity among older children still remains the same, and we are still far from making significant changes in the obesity epidemic in this country. However, as a nation we should all be working towards getting healthier and educating the younger generations on how to stay active and eat healthy.

Here are 3 guidelines to follow to decrease your child’s risk for obesity and further health problems in his or her future:

Limit Downtime – One of the major contributors to the spike in childhood obesity is technology. With the inventions of computers, video games, cell phones and tablets more and more people are becoming sedentary and our children would rather stay inside with a screen in front of their face than go outside and play. As parents, you can put a time limit on how long your child can watch TV or play on his iPad each day. Speak with other parents in your neighborhood and organize play dates to allow your kids to run around and play in the backyard.

Keep Breakfast Healthy – You probably realize that breakfast is the most important meal of the day, especially for growing children. However, advertisements for sugary cereals are all over TV and these boxes are often placed on lower levels of supermarket shelves to more effectively entice children into wanting them. Encourage your children to eat less sugary cereals that are made with whole grains and taste great. Offer other breakfast items like oatmeal sweetened with honey and topped with fresh fruit. You can also stir in your favorite nut butter into warm oatmeal to add extra flavor, protein and healthy fat. Other good breakfast ideas include yogurt parfait with granola and raisins or whole grain toast or waffles with peanut butter and banana.

Educate and Role Model – As parents, you are the primary educators of your children and have the ability to instill valuable knowledge in your kids regarding nutrition and health. Allow your kids to help you cook as an opportunity to teach them about the healthy meal you are making that night. Let them cut vegetables and peel fruit so they get accustomed to these kinds of foods. The more you expose your children to healthy foods, the more likely they are to broaden their horizons and ty different foods. It is also important to note that children learn by observation and model behaviors of their parents. If you choose healthy foods and engage in daily physical activity, your children are likely to follow your lead!

So now that we have made notable progress as a nation to reducing childhood obesity, join the movement and start making changes to get your family healthy!

Your turn to take action: What changes will you make to reduce your child’s risk for obesity?