Bad news: According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, in the past 30 years, obesity in children has more than doubled, and in adolescents it has more than tripled.
Good news: A new study gives signs of hope that this epidemic is beginning to level off.
The reason: Increased activity and improved diet.
A study in the October 2013 issue of Pediatrics analyzed data collected on children in 2001, 2005 and 2009. The researchers Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development in Bethesda, MD found that between 2001 and 2009 children and adolescents increased physical activity, ate more fruits and vegetables, ate breakfast more, ate less sweets and watched less TV.
Keith Tesch, Sports Performance Specialist at ATI’s Naperville East Clinic in Illinois, stresses the need for parents to keep up the fight against obesity, making sure their children eat properly, exercise and avoid unhealthy habits. “While this report is good news, and it shows that efforts to combat this epidemic are having an influence, there is still much room for improvement,” says Keith.
Keith suggests incorporating these tips into your child’s life each day to help maintain a healthy weight and lifestyle.
Keeping Your Child Active and Healthy
- Start teaching healthy habits early.
- Make sure your child’s diet is nutritionally balanced. A recommended resource is www.choosemyplate.gov.
- Don’t use food as a reward for good behavior. Instead reward with a physical activity or play time.
- Be the example. Children are imitators of what they see their parents and other adults doing. Start exercising and let your kids see you being active, and eating healthy foods.
- Make sure to incorporate at least 60 minutes of physical activity daily.
- Limit the number and amount of sugary, high calorie and high fat foods to 1 or 2 times a week.
Examples of Nutritional Foods that are 100 Calories or Less
- A medium-size apple
- A medium-size banana
- 1 cup blueberries
- 1 cup grapes
- 1 cup carrots, broccoli, or bell peppers with 2 tbsp. hummus
If you have questions about exercise and nutrition for your child, or the sports performance services provided by Keith, visit our Sports Performance page.
Reference – USA Today Article:
http://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2013/09/16/obesity-teens-improving/2806363/