Childhood Obesity

Childhood Obesity

You may be alarmed to know that the rate of childhood obesity has tripled in the past 20 years. There is now an International Obesity Task Force dedicated to addressing this blatantly visible, yet in the words of the World Health Organisation, most neglected, public health problem.

The IOTF have now termed obesity “the millennium disease”- it really is a 21st century health epidemic.

We have all heard the term “puppy fat”, in fact personally I know it well!! The problem is, there is a big difference between a little extra fat, & being classed as obese. Today we are so desensitized to people being overweight & obese, we cannot now accurately distinguish when a person is overweight or obese.

It really is important to know this difference, & if a child is heavily overweight or classified obese, this issue needs to be addressed as a matter of urgency. Children do not necessarily grow out of this problem, & the complications of obesity in children & young adults, affects many body systems. The risk factors for disease in adulthood are also marginally increased. Think asthma, diabetes, heart disease, bone, muscular & joint problems, just to name a few….

So how to tell if your child is overweight or obese? In adults this can be determined by calculating one’s Body Mass Index (BMI). In children, as they are still growing, this measure is of limited use. In practice, dietitans, use growth charts to determine how a child’s weight fairs for their height. Thus, your GP, a local nurse, or local dietitian, will be able to check your child’s growth for you.

If your child is determined to be overweight or obese what should you do?
A restrictive diet is definitely NOT the answer & can cause many long term physical & mental health problems. Childhood overweight/obesity is a FAMILY issue & needs to be addressed at the family level. Enlisting the help of a qualified dietitian is definitely recommended & can achieve amazing results for the whole family.

Personally I have worked with a number of families to change their entire eating & exercise habits, & the results are incredible for not only everybody’s weight but also their outlook, enthusiasm and energy for life!

What are some quick tips/ideas to get you started thinking about your families current eating & lifesyle habits?
· Does your family drink juices, soft-drinks & cordials regularly?
· How often do you eat fast food/take-away?
· Are there lollies in the house on a regular basis?
· How often do your children snack on chips, biscuits, cakes & packaged “junk” foods?
· How much TV do your children watch?
· Do you eat together at the table?

What habits can you introduce to encourage a healthy family?
· Use reduced fat dairy foods after children have reached 2 years of age
· Watch added fats such as oil, margarine & butter
· Offer more fresh vegetables & fruits as snacks. Think colourful platters with low fat yoghurt dips
· Have a juice, cordial & soft-drink free household- make water & low fat milk the drinks of choice!
· Limit treats such as cakes, chips or take-away foods to once or twice a week only
· Select grainy breads, wholegrain cereals, & include lots of fruit, salad & vegetables
· Select only the leanest cuts of meat, skinless chicken & be sure to remove ANY visible fat or skin BEFORE cooking
· Be active! Get off the couch & go for a family walk!
· Limit sedentary activity such as TV watching & computers to around 1 hour per day

These are just the tip of the ice-berg in terms of things to think about. Often there are many factors contributing to the issue, & it takes an honest look at what is currently happening before things can change.

Be brave, take an honest & close look & plunge into a healthier lifestyle today!

For more info visit http://www.eatwellbeactive.qld.gov.au/
Or YOUR states government website

You can find an Accredited Practicing Dietitian in your area by going to http://www.daa.asn.au/
& using the Find an APD search function