Have you ever noticed that some kids get tired faster during playtime than others? Maybe they can’t run as far or jump as high as their friends. 

Well, one reason for this could be something called Childhood Obesity. It just means that some children weigh more than what’s healthy for their bodies.

Childhood obesity in America is a big problem. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), more than 1 in 5 kids is considered overweight or obese. That’s a lot of young people!

Just like plants need sunshine and water to grow strong, our bodies need healthy food and exercise to thrive! But sometimes, things get unbalanced. Today, we will talk about why this is a big concern and how we can overcome this! 

What is Childhood Obesity?

A child with excess body fat is said to be childhood obese. This excess body fat negatively impacts their health and well-being. Every child grows at their own pace, so doctors use a special measurement called Body Mass Index (BMI) to check if someone is in a healthy weight range or not.

Did you know? 

In 2022, 37 million children under the age of 5 were overweight. That’s a lot of children who might need a little help staying healthy! But the question is what are childhood obesity symptoms or how to identify if someone has obesity issues. Let’s understand –

What are Childhood Obesity Symptoms?

Here’s where things get important. 

Just like a heavy backpack can slow you down, childhood obesity can make it harder for children’s bodies to do all the fun things they love. It increases health problems, such as –

• Feeling Tired & Sluggish: Imagine a child is trying to run around with a full tummy all the time! Possible??…

Obesity can make it harder to breathe and move around, leaving us feeling low on energy. Our bodies use sugar for energy, but sometimes with obesity, the body has trouble using it properly.

• Bumps & Bruises: Extra weight can put stress on our bones and joints. This makes it easier to get hurt while playing. 
• Inadequate Sleep: We all love a good night’s sleep, but obesity can make it difficult to breathe well while sleeping. This makes us irritable in the morning or during the day. 
• Feeling Down: Feeling down is a common childhood obesity symptom that has been seen in many children. Being overweight can sometimes lead to teasing or bullying, which can make a child feel sad or lonely. 

But wait, don’t worry parents and children. There’s good news!

Ways to Overcome Childhood Obesity!

Awesome Food Choices & Good Habits: 

Our bodies are like incredible machines. They need the right amount of fuel to work their best, just like we give the right amount of water and sunlight to our plants. We can’t put candy in a car engine, we can’t fill our bodies with only sugary treats for energy. 

Instead, we can focus on:

• Fruits & Veggies: Nothing can be as best as fresh fruits and veggies. They are packed with vitamins, minerals, and fiber that keep us energized and help us grow big and strong!
• Whole Grains: Think brown rice, whole-wheat bread, and oatmeal! These whole grains give us long-lasting energy to play and learn all day long.
• Lean Protein: Chicken, fish, beans, and lentils are like tiny building blocks that help our muscles grow strong!
• Body Hydration: Body hydration is significant, especially in summer. It keeps our bodies running smoothly and helps us feel energized. Ditch the sugary soft drinks and drink water instead!
• Ideal Screen Time: In this digital era, it is not possible to stay away from the screen. Video games and shows are fun, but too much screen time can take away from playtime. But an ideal time of usage can simplify it. Set time limits and find other ways to have fun.
• Zzz – Proper Sleep: Getting enough sleep is vital for our bodies to recharge. Get your child to aim for 8-10 hours of sleep each night so they can wake up feeling fresh and ready to take on the day!

Become an Exercise Enthusiast! 

Our bodies are created to move! 

Exercise helps us burn energy, build strong muscles, and even makes us feel happy! Following are a few exercises that can help reduce childhood obesity –

• Playtime is Supertime! Anything that makes children happy, be it tag, jump rope, bike trips, or any outdoor game like badminton, football, basketball, etc.
• Dance it Out! Moving the body is important. Play some tunes, then throw a dance party! It’s an enjoyable method for both parents and children to express themselves and start active.
• Help Around the House! Encourage children to help you in settling the house, garden, etc., like settling the table, dusting, or vacuuming. These are perfect ways to get some exercise while helping out at home.

Remember, becoming healthy is a journey, not a race! 

There will be days when your child craves that extra cookie, or maybe they don’t feel like going outside. That’s completely okay! The important thing is to keep making healthy choices most of the time. As a parent, you have the responsibility to help them make healthy choices.

Childhood obesity in America is common but don’t take it lightly. As a parent, it’s the only you who can help your children stay healthy, happy, and ready to face & overcome life’s challenges easily!

So get out there, have fun, and remember, healthy habits are the coolest superpower of all!