The number in obese children continues to rise. There is a concern in the rise of childhood obesity because it can lead to the following health problems.

• heart disease caused by high cholesterol and / or high blood pressure
• asthma
• type II diabetes
• sleep apnea
• social discrimination

These children may also be at risk of weight related health problems in adulthood.
 

Ways you can help prevent childhood obesity

 
You can help your child maintain a healthy weight by balancing the calories your child gets  from food and beverages with calories your child use through physical activity and normal growth. This can be achieved by doing the following :

Encourage healthy eating habits by

• serve reasonable size portions
• add low fat and non fat dairy to your diet
• include lots of fruits, vegetables and whole grains to your food
• choose lean meat, poultry, fish, beans and lentils
• encourage lots of water intake
• limit sugar, sodium, saturated fat and sweetened beverages

 
Some other tips that will help include

• Make their favorite dish healthy
• Let your child know the benefits of exercising. These benefits include reduces stress, reduces blood pressure,strengthen bones and maintain a healthy weight
• help your kids stay active by  adding physical activity to your daily routine. You can engage in moderate-intensity physical activity  such as brisk walking,swimming, playing soccer,dancing and jumping rope
• reduce sedentary time by limiting screen time ( TV, video games, internet) to not more than 2 hours a day.

 
It is recommended that you focus on small but permanent changes in eating to help you attain the appropriate body weight.
 
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