What’s Eating Your Kids?

Childhood obesity is a growing problem in our society.  Children are consuming less healthy foods and maintaining sedentary lifestyles.  According to the Mayo Clinic’s web site, complications of excess weight in our children can include the following problems, among others:

• Type 2 diabetes
• High blood pressure
• Asthma and other respiratory problems
• Sleep disorders
• Eating disorders

Physical ramifications are discussed often in the news and among clinicians; however, the emotional side of overeating in children is often ignored.   Being overweight can lead to such emotional issues as insecurity, depression, and behavior problems.  On the flip side, stress and worry can actually lead to the overindulgence that causes weight gain in kids.

My home state of Pennsylvania has launched a new campaign called “All About Weight” to over 1000 middle schools across the commonwealth.  The program focuses on the all too often overlooked emotional roots of issues related eating.  Students can go to the web site TeenCentral.net to learn about health eating, nutrition, lifestyle changes, as well as the emotional factors that lead to weight problems.

We, as parents, can help our kids identify and deal with weight-related problems by:

• Encouraging them to openly discuss feelings
  
• Shopping for mostly healthy foods and beverages
  
• Seeking help from your pediatrician if you are concerned about obesity
• Making efforts to improve diet and exercise as a family

There are many factors to consider when trying to determine if your child is at a healthy weight.  Take a look at your child’s body frame, your family history of obesity and related health problems, your child’s eating habits, as well as his or her activity level and overall health.  Most importantly, don’t forget to address the impact emotional issues can play in your children’s physical health.

• Common Sleep Problems In Kids
• Home Remedies That Work
• Children and Cough Medicine
• The Importance of Early Detection
• Meet Mary!