Are you and your child battling childhood obesity? Dr. Rachel Chatters at Chatters Pediatrics in Lake Charles, LA is here to help you both.
3 Things to Know About Childhood Obesity
If your child is significantly overweight, it can be on strain on you both. In this guide, Dr. Chatters at Chatters Pediatrics in Lake Charles, LA shares three crucial facts to help below.
It Can Lead to a Wide Range of Issues
Being significantly overweight can negatively impact children in many ways. One is their confidence. And as confidence plays a role in everything, including learning and socializing, it can lead to negative mental health.
Another issue is that it can be the catalyst for problems such as high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, liver disease, and cholesterol problems.
It’s also important to note that both weight and related health problems can follow children into adulthood. The earlier it’s addressed, the better.
There Are Many Contributing Factors
In some cases, medication or medical conditions can impact a child’s weight. However, lifestyle factors are typically the biggest cause, such as those below.
- Lack of or reduced PE time: Many school districts have either significantly cut back or completely eliminated the time children have to be active at school.
- Increase in digital devices: Most kids choose screen time over getting out and playing. And increased screen time often leads to mindless snacking.
- Unhealthy eating: Due to busy schedules, grabbing a meal at the drive-thru is much more common than eating healthy snacks and meals.
You Are Not Helpless
Parents are not helpless or hopeless. Just a few changes can help your child achieve and maintain a healthy weight.
- Be a good role model: Kids copy what they see. Let them see you being active and choosing fruit over a chocolate bar.
- Set screen limits and make them get outdoors: Everyone needs at least 150 minutes of physical activity each week. You can require that they go outside for at least 30 minutes using devices.
- Provide enjoyable activities: Replace screen time with things like joining your local rec center to use the pool, setting up a trampoline or basketball goal, or building an obstacle course.
- Keep fruit front and center: Keep snacks put away and a bowl of fruit in the middle of the counter.
- Commit to cooking at home: Even if you can’t cook every day, aim for a few times a week.
- Talk to our pediatrician: From ruling out medical conditions to providing recommendations, our pediatrician can help.
Don’t let childhood obesity impact your child’s life. Call (337) 475-9009 to schedule an appointment with Dr. Chatters at Chatters Pediatrics in Lake Charles, LA.