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Overweight, obesity… it’s time to act!
At first, it’s only a few extra pounds. And then one day, we realize that the youngest of the family suffers from obesity! Today, nearly 20% of young French people are too fat (against only 5% ten years ago!). It is urgent to change his behavior …
Where do the extra pounds come from?
Lifestyles have evolved, eating habits too. Nibble all day long, abandon fresh produce, eat in front of the TV … are all factors that break down meals and contribute to weight gain. Just like the absence of breakfasts, balanced lunches, or on the contrary the taking of too rich snacks, based on sodas and chocolate bars.
And that’s not all because, unfortunately, the problem is complex and involves other factors: genetic, psychological, socio-economic, not to mention the effects of sedentary lifestyle or certain diseases …
Overweight, hello damage!
The extra pounds that accumulate can quickly have consequences on children’s health. Joint pain, orthopedic problems (flat feet, sprains…), respiratory disorders (asthma, snoring, sleep apnea…)… And later, hormonal disorders, arterial hypertension, cardiovascular diseases… Overweight can also be a real social handicap and a factor of depression, especially when the child has to face the remarks, sometimes terrible, of his comrades …
And do not be fooled by the sayings that as they grow they will inevitably lengthen and refine. Because obesity can very well persist into adulthood. There is also a potential link between childhood obesity and the onset of type 2 diabetes, without forgetting that it also leads to a marked decrease in life expectancy …
Code name: PNNS
This is the national health nutrition program, one of whose priorities is to prevent obesity in children. Its main guidelines:
– increase the consumption of fruits and vegetables;
– consume foods rich in calcium, meat and fish;
– limit the consumption of fats and foods rich in sugar;
– increase the consumption of starchy foods …
So many measures to provide everyone with a better nutritional balance.
Prevent obesity and fight against the overweight of your child
The right solution is to review your eating habits in detail because, in a balanced diet, all foods have their place!
Above all, meals must be structured, which means a good breakfast, a balanced lunch, a snack and a balanced dinner. Have fun varying the menus, taking into account the tastes of your offspring, but without giving in to all his desires! It is also good to teach him the essential rules of diet so that he is able, when the time comes, to choose his food on his own, especially if he eats lunch in a self-service room.
And of course, water must remain the drink of choice! Sodas and other fruit juices, far too sweet, are real factors in obesity …
But often, it is also the whole food education of the family that needs to be reviewed (the choice of food, the methods of preparation, etc.). A priority when we know that the risk of obesity in children is multiplied by 3 if one of the parents is obese, by 6 if both are!
The family meal is essential in the prevention of obesity. Mom and Dad must take the time to eat at the table with their offspring, and as far as possible from the television! The meal must remain a pleasure to share in a friendly atmosphere.
In case of difficulty, a doctor can advise you and help you adopt good eating habits.
Without forgetting to fight against sedentary lifestyle! And for that, you don’t have to be a great athlete. A little daily walking (around 30 minutes) is the first of the recommended physical activities. But there are many others: playing in the garden, cycling, running… Any sports activity outside of school is welcome!
No to “reward” candies!
It is often a sign of love or comfort on the part of Dad, Mum, or Grandma … But yet, this gesture does not have to be because, even if it pleases the children, it is not beneficial to them and gives them bad habits …
Each parent therefore has a role to play in helping children to change their eating habits and guarantee them, in the same way, “iron” health!
“Together, let’s prevent obesity”
The EPODE program was launched in 2004 in ten cities in France to fight against childhood obesity. With a common objective: to raise public awareness through information campaigns and concrete actions on the ground with schools, town halls, traders …