Childhood obesity has become an epidemic, not only in the United States, but around the world.  In the last thirty years, the number of children classified as overweight  has nearly doubled.

Overweight and obese children are more likely to suffer from a myriad of serious health problems early in life.  The prevalence of type two diabetes in young children has increased at an alarming rate.  Extra weight increases the likelihood of high cholesterol, high blood pressure, and the potential for heart attacks and strokes.  Overweight and obese children suffer, more than do healthy children, from asthma and other breathing problems.  Extra body extra weight means an extra burden for joints.  Arthritis becomes more likely.  Children who are overweight or obese tend to have fewer friends, and are more prone to isolation and depression.

Some childhood obesity may be caused by genetic factors, but this is rarely the case.  Most childhood obesity comes from the practice of eating too much, or too much of the wrong kind of food, and also from a lack of exercise.  Not too surprisingly, the same holds true for adult obesity.

It is usually possible, at a glance to tell if a child is overweight.  It is certainly easy to tell if a child is obese.  If you do not know what your child should weigh, ask you family doctor.

Fat children are not healthy children.  Nor are they happy children.  It is the duty of parents to see that their children achieve and maintain a normal body weight.

If your infant or child is obese, you should discuss this problem with your family physician.  With an infant, it is simply a matter of providing healthy foods in appropriate portions.  Young children should have a variety of fruits and vegetables, served without sauces, and preferably raw -  lean meats, skinless chicken, and fish – and whole grains.  Drinks should consist of low fat milk, and plain water.  Whole fruit is better than fruit juice.  No sweet snacks, and no sugared drinks or sodas.

Dealing with excess weight in infants and very young children is relatively easy.  Dealing with these problems in older children is many times harder, so nip the problem in the bud.

Never use food as a reward with children of any age, or withhold it as a punishment.  Never force children to east all that is on their plates.  If they repeatedly leave food, serve smaller portions.  Eat meals together as a family, at the dinner table.  Talk about things that interest the child.  Appreciate the food, but do not overly emphasize it  Do not constantly mention the child’s weight.

If parents are active, the children will follow suit.  This means that if you have an obese or overweight child, you will have to instigate activities.  Go for a long walk every day.  Get the family on bikes, roller skates, skis, or whatever the child enjoys.  Play ball with your children, or badminton, or anything that involves running.  All this may be difficult for the child at first, but as the pounds disappear, the activity will become easier, and more enjoyable.  If your child is a teenager, and mature enough, join a gym together.  Get some help setting out an exercise program, fitting the child’s age and maturity.  Older children may want to work out alone.  Let them.

If you have an overweight or obese adolescent, you may have to begin a discussion of the problem with them.  You must do this with sensitivity.  It is best to start as soon as you feel there is a problem.  Let the child know that you sincerely want to help.  Together with the child, lay out a diet plan, with the help of your family doctor or a dietitian.  Help them by purchasing only healthy foods.  Be a good example for your children.  Go for long walks together, talk with them about their plans for the future, their hopes and their dreams.

Part of the problem with older children is that often a good portion of what they eat comes from outside the home, in the form of school lunches, treats at friend’s homes, or snacks purchased on outings.  It takes a lot of will power on the part of the child, as well as a lot of encouragement from the parents, to stick to dietary restrictions, when away from home.  Be positive!  Don’t give up.