Teaching Kids about Healthy Habits: A Guide to Diet and Exercise for a Lifetime

Obesity is a medical condition in which an individual has an excessive amount of body fat. It is typically defined as having a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or higher. BMI is a measure of body fat based on height and weight.

Growth of Obesity in the Last 3 Decades

In the last three decades, obesity has grown drastically worse. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the number of people affected by obesity has more than doubled since 1980. In 2016, more than 1.9 billion adults, 18 years and older, were overweight. Of these, over 650 million were obese. Additionally, the number of children affected by obesity has also risen dramatically. In 2016, 41 million children under the age of 5 were overweight or obese.

Formation of Obesity

Obesity is caused by an imbalance between energy intake and energy expenditure. When an individual consumes more energy (calories) than they burn, the body stores the excess energy as fat. Over time, this can lead to weight gain and eventually obesity.

Harms of Obesity

Obesity is a major risk factor for a number of serious health conditions. These include:

a. Type 2 diabetes

b. Cardiovascular disease

c. High blood pressure

d. Stroke

e. Certain types of cancer

f. Sleep apnea

g. Osteoarthritis

Food Habits

Obesity is often linked to poor dietary habits. Consuming too many calories, particularly from high-fat, high-sugar foods, can contribute to weight gain and obesity. Additionally, a lack of physical activity can also contribute to the development of obesity.

Healing Methods

There are several methods for treating obesity. These include:

Medication:

1. Orlistat (Xenical)

2. Liraglutide (Saxenda)

3. Bupropion/naltrexone (Contrave)

4. Phentermine/topiramate (Qsymia)

Bariatric Surgery:

5. Gastric bypass

6. Sleeve gastrectomy

7. Adjustable gastric banding

Lifestyle Changes:

8. Diet modification

9. Increased physical activity

10. Behavioral therapy

Doctors Advice and Warnings

Doctors advise that the best way to prevent and treat obesity is through lifestyle changes. This includes eating a healthy diet, increasing physical activity, and maintaining a healthy weight. Additionally, doctors warn that obesity is a serious health condition that can lead to a number of serious health problems. It is important to seek medical advice and treatment if you are concerned about your weight or have been diagnosed with obesity.

In conclusion, Obesity is a significant public health problem that has grown drastically worse in the last 3 decades, including kids. It is caused by an imbalance between energy intake and energy expenditure. It harms the body in many ways and food habits, lack of physical activity are the major contributing factors. Medications, Bariatric surgery, and lifestyle changes are the healing methods. Doctors advise and warn that the best way to prevent and treat obesity is through lifestyle changes.

Teaching kids about diet and exercise is important for their overall health and well-being. Here are a few ways to teach kids about the importance of a healthy diet and regular exercise:

1. Lead by example: Children often model their behavior after their parents and caregivers. By eating a healthy diet and being physically active yourself, you can set an example for your child to follow.

2. Make it fun: Children are more likely to engage in activities that they enjoy. Incorporating fun and games into physical activity can help to make it more appealing to kids.

3. Teach them about healthy foods: Children are more likely to eat healthy foods if they understand the importance of nutrition. Teaching kids about the different food groups and the role they play in maintaining a healthy diet can help them make better food choices.

4. Cook with your kids: Cooking with your kids is a great way to teach them about healthy ingredients and meal preparation. It also allows them to develop important life skills such as following a recipe and measuring ingredients.

5. Have a positive attitude towards food and exercise: Encourage kids to have a positive attitude towards food and exercise, instead of viewing them as punishment. Make sure to praise and reward healthy choices rather than criticize unhealthy ones.

6. Make it a family affair: Encourage the whole family to be active together, whether it's by taking a walk around the neighborhood or going for a bike ride.

7. Show the benefits of healthy habits: Explain to children the benefits of healthy habits such as having more energy, better sleep and feeling good.

8. Make it a part of their daily routine: Incorporate healthy eating and physical activity into your child's daily routine. This will help them develop good habits that they can maintain throughout their lifetime.

9. Provide healthy options: Provide healthy options to your children when they are hungry, and make sure that they are always available.

Overall, it's important to remember that teaching kids about healthy habits should be a gradual process. Start by introducing small changes and building on them over time. With your guidance and support, your child will learn the importance of a healthy diet and regular exercise and will be able to maintain these healthy habits for a lifetime.