Obesity is a common health condition affecting a large number of children in the United States. According to studies, almost 20 percent of children are considered obese.
Causes
Lack of physical activity, unhealthy eating habits, or a combination of these factors is the main contributor to childhood obesity.
Genetic and hormonal factors can also cause obesity. If you come from a family of overweight people, be sure to avoid eating high-calorie food. Limit consuming foods with added sugar, sodium, and solid fats. Remember to follow prioritize eating healthy foods and be physically active. You can work with your pediatrics in Greenbelt, Maryland to create a healthy eating plan for your family.
Health risks
A child who is obese is at risk of developing diabetes, heart disease, bone problems, and even social problems. If you’re worried that your child is putting on too much weight, talk to his or her pediatrician in Maryland. Discuss obesity and lifestyle changes that you can implement to prevent the development of these diseases.
Prevention
To help you and your child live a healthy lifestyle, we have compiled a list of preventive measures to help you keep things on the right track.
- Watch portion size
Many kids today suffer from portion distortion. If you have a toddler, keep in mind that they don’t require large amounts of food. From ages one to three, every inch of a child’s height should equal approximately 40 calories of food intake. - Remove temptations
Limit buying unhealthy food since your child might be tempted to eat them. Be a healthy role model by stocking your pantry with healthier food options. - Limit screen time
Make an effort to reduce the amount of time you and your family spend watching television, playing video games, and other sedentary lifestyle activities. Encourage your kids to play outside. - Keep them moving
Make sure your child gets at least one hour of physical activity every day to stay at a healthy weight. This can be aerobic, muscle strengthening, or bone-strengthening activities. - Get enough sleep
Research suggests that children who don’t get enough sleep may end up weighing more. Developing a healthy sleeping habit is vital to avoid obesity. To help your kids get a good night’s sleep, you will need to create a sleep schedule and bedtime routine and provide comfortable mattresses and pillows.
Be sure to schedule well-baby visits at least once a year to keep your child’s health in check.
At Edge Pediatrics, we have a qualified pediatric group to help you live a quality life by providing comprehensive, individualized, and advanced healthcare services. Get in touch with us for more details about our services.
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