In 2010 the Department of Health (DH) has noted 30.3 per cent of children (aged 2-15) in England were either overweight or obese and statistics have shown that by 2050, 25% of all children in Britain will be obese. With numbers as high as this, drastic changes have to be implemented in order to prevent, or at least reduce the likelihood of the following generation being affected by life threatening health implications. Studies by the DH have found obese individuals are 5-13 times more likely to acquire type 2 diabetes, up to 3 times more likely to develop types of cancer, prone for having higher blood pressure and consequently have a high chance of experiencing strokes or heart disease in later life.
These statistics should be more than enough to ensure parents are deploying their best efforts in order to keep their children out of obesity; however an initial warning should be that solutions do not include preventing consumption or forcing constant physical activity. Instead, a mix of influencing exercise with a healthy lifestyle will be more than enough to promote the benefits of a healthy weight.
Weight loss advice site 'Weight Loss Resources' suggests that obesity currently costs the UK £2 billion every single year and the condition results in shortening life span by 9 years. Furthermore, the Peninsula Medical School reveals that 75 per cent of parents do not fully recognise that their child is overweight and the issue is often unnoticed or disregarded. For the rates of childhood obesity to reduce, things need to change.
Many sites have contributed very easily implemented changes that will help your child achieve a healthy weight. Lifestyles advise forum 'Live Strong' advice three simple steps, 1. Lifestyle changes, 2. Eating habit modifications and 3. Moving more. The first can be explained through the digital and technologically advanced age we have entered. With more technology, it has resulted in children being interested in screen based electronics over physical sports and entertainment. Although some gaming devices may promote exercise, they are no substitute for actual physical activity; therefore, limiting your child's allowance in front of screens may help ease the weight loss process.
Secondly with junk food popularity on the rise, fast food chains have reaped the benefits of watching an obese ridden generation. By choosing to cook at home, eat healthily and increasing simple fruit and vegetable intake will promote the benefits of your 5-a-day and contribute largely to weight loss. It must be emphasised that the change will be for your whole household. To help your child, you must implement changes to yourself and be the role model your child may require.
Finally moving more includes taking part in more sports, running, walking, and all other types of physical movement. Exercise doesn't have to be boring and children often seem more than happy to go for a fun swimming session or playing their favourite sport. Ask your child what they would like to do, make exercising enjoyable and your child will be far more enthusiastic towards losing weight.
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