Article by Steve Henderson
Child obesity is a serious medical condition affecting children and teenagers. In United States alone, obesity has reached to epidemic proportions with 1 out of 5 children between the ages of 6 and 17 afflicted with such condition. Even though obesity in children can be readily diagnosed, it is in fact, one of the most difficult to treat. Alarmingly, the annual cost of obesity has already reached to a staggering 0 billion, not to mention that it is responsible for over 300,000 deaths per year.Adding a few extra pounds does not necessarily mean that children and teens are already obese. Child obesity occurs when the child or teen has reached a weight significantly beyond the normal average for his or her age and height. This can be calculated using the Body Mass Index (BMI). The onset of obesity commonly occurs in childhood between the ages of 5 and 6, and during teenage years. If such condition is not given proper medical attention, there is an 80 percent chance that the child or teenager will carry the condition throughout his or her adult life.The cause of child obesity is a combination of genetic, behavioral and cultural factors, making it far more complex. Typically, obesity in children and teenagers is related to poor eating habits, binging or overeating, lack of exercise, low self esteem, stressful life events, family and peer issues, depression, and family history of obesity, medical illnesses and medications. Unfortunately, the failure of parents to attend to the medical needs of their obese children could lead to grave complications that could negatively affect their children’s physical, social and emotional well-being. Some of the most notable physical consequences that obesity could bring include the development of type two diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, metabolic syndrome, sleeping disorders, respiratory issues and early puberty and menstruation. Meanwhile, the social and emotional complications that obese kids are likely to experience include low self esteem, bullying, behavioral and learning issues, and depression.With the health and emotional hazards that obesity could induce, it is necessary for parents to become proactive in instigating their children to practice a healthy lifestyle. Although child and teenage weight loss is a task that is easier said than done, the key to achieve a healthy weight for children is take the issue as a familial challenge. As one adage goes, “practice what you preach” and for sure, your children would be able to acquire this principle from you. Therefore, as a parent, you have to make healthy eating and exercise a regular affair for the whole family. There is no universal fast teen diet plan because this greatly depends on the physical condition of your child. However, most medical experts would agree that it is essential that you and your family should invest on a low-carb diet plan so as to limit your kids from consuming too much carbohydrate, which often causes body fat build up. Where possible, get your kids involved in this fight against obesity by allowing them to help you plan and prepare family meals, and let them join you when you go to the grocery as these activities would certainly educate them about the value of healthy living. Also, encourage your children to engage in physical activities. However, prior to sending your kid to the gym or in a youth center, do not forget to seek the medical advice of your doctor about his or her recommended physical activities for you child. This way, you can be assured that the exercise that your child will be undertaking is appropriate for his or her age, health, and body condition. Always bear in mind that obesity can become a lifelong issue, especially if left unaided. For the foregoing reason, as a parent, you have to make sure that your child is engaged in a natural and systematic teenage weight loss program that is supervised by medical professionals to ensure that it will suffice to the needs of your kid. Also, do not forget to raise the self-esteem of your child by emphasizing his or her strengths and positive attributes instead of his or her weight problem. Always remember that a lasting weight loss can only be achieved when there is motivation. By living a healthy lifestyle, you are setting a good example to your family and a healthy environment with which they will be encouraged to follow.