The Figures Of Child Obesity Statistics
March 14, 2008
Obesity is a common problem in countries like America, India etc. In America one in every three person is classified as obese. Obesity is determined through a formula called Body mass Index (BMI). If BMI is more than 30, the person is said to be obese.
Child obesity is defined as a child who has a body mass index that is too high. In boys, the body mass index should be less than twenty-five, and in girls, it should be less than thirty-two. Technically the best way to measure child obesity is through skin fold measurements. A skin fold measurement involves a caliper that pinches the skin on the upper arm to measure how much is fatty tissue. To ensure accurate readings, someone who has been trained on how to use the instrument should do this. These teenagers are at considerable risk of becoming obese adults. As children unhealthy eating habits and poor food choices were main reasons contributing to children obesity. Also lack of Exercise has been a leading cause of child obesity. These children in turn grow into in obese adults. Since a few years there is a considerable.
Surprising Childhood Obesity Statistics
Facts and Figures show that there is considerable increase in childhood obesity. Statistics reveal that 15% of children and teens are over weight. An additional 20% are at risk in becoming overweight. These facts are quite surprising and it goes on to prove that a change is indeed essential. It is just not children but also the parents who are responsible for childhood obesity. As parents they need to keep watch on their daily routine and ensure that they are getting the right amount of exercise for their weight and age group.
Lowering the Childhood Obesity Statistics through Exercise
Static’s also show that lack of exercise is also one of the major reasons of childhood obesity. It is this lack of physical activity that makes the children obese.
Parents they need to make sure that their children are getting the right amount of exercise for their weight and age group. Swimming, Walking, bike riding are good forms of exercises. Especially bike riding in which the calories are burnt out fast and also heart pumping is at a fast rate. Also small changes in the daily routine of the kids can be a great tool in controlling obesity. For example taking elevators instead of staircase, parking a little away from school and covering that area by walking.
Lowering Childhood Obesity Statistics through Diet
It is also the duty of the parents to make sure that the child is eating healthier foods. By encouraging children to eat salads, fresh vegetables, soups, juices (without sugar) can go a long way in controlling childhood obesity. Making sure that three well-balanced meals are consumed regularly will go along way in helping your child deal with any weight issues. Buying healthier foods as compared to sugary, oily snacks is a better alternative.
Making Healthy Snacks Taste Better
Parents can use simple methods to make the food not only tasty but also nutritive. For eg. Peanut butter can be added to celery sticks to make a healthy treat and also will increase the protein content. Similarly Carrot sticks can be dipped in ranch dressing or melted cheese. At times mothers can also change cooking techniques as in baked, grilled, sautéed, broiled, poached, or steamed; where less of fat is incorporated. Also mothers’ can make sure that vegetables are fresh and non-vegetarian food is properly cooked.
Summary:
Thus if parents make a little extra effort in aspects such as encouraging physical activity, preparing healthy foods, monitoring the visits to fast food joints, then child obesity rate will be definitely in control.
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