We have become oblivious to the fact that childhood obesity is a public health crisis that is still raving through every corner around the world. The World Health Organization (WHO) indicated that childhood obesity is one of the most serious public health challenges of the 21st century affecting developed and developing countries. If the epidemic continues according to WHO, by 2020, nearly 60 million children will be overweight or obese. If this does not make our hearts race, then I don’t know what will get our attention on this important issue. In most places globally, the problem has escalated more in children than in adults! Just so you know, this is not a scare tactic or an exaggeration but an attempt for us to ‘wake up’ and take action!

Researchers found that from 1999-2016 “obesity among American children is still on the rise, with kids aged 2 to 5 years old seeing the most drastic increase” (Journal Pediatrics). “Childhood obesity has more than doubled in children and quadrupled in adolescents in the past 30 years” (The Advocate).

Dieting and exercising is a million dollar industry that has grabbed the attention of adults around the globe. Don’t get me wrong, I think it is fantastic that we are all eating healthy and incorporating exercise into our daily routines but are we failing our children in the process? Because we are not for the most part bringing them along on this healthy lifestyle journey. 

Childhood obesity can be as a result of these underlying factors: Social, health, emotional, psychological, genetics and in some cases, children just eat because of lack of discipline. Childhood obesity is so much more than food, so parents need to understand these factors to help children navigate their ways and prevent future health issues/crisis. For instance, a child might eat a lot to suppress emotional issues, parents of that child might assist by seeking the help of a psychologist and/or provide healthy options for the child to choose from. As a mother, I understand that it is not always easy to make our children eat their fruits and vegetables, I think it is important to be firm and consistent in our approach. My approach has always been providing healthy options, consistency and persistence and it works in my house!

Remember, we parents are responsible for the overall wellbeing of our children such as what they eat, what they wear and how they present themselves in public. Again, one size does not fit all when it comes to parenting, so find what works well for your family and stick with the approach. 

It is however important not to shame other mothers because they have obese or overweight children. Our job is to support one another! If you need to speak to a professional on this issue, please contact us for assistance.

Some contributing factors to childhood obesity

• Genetics
• Metabolism—how your body converts food and oxygen into energy it can use
• Short sleep duration
• Eating and physical activity behaviors. (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention)

Some tips to improve health/Dealing with childhood obesity

• Be a role model to your child by eating healthy and exercising
• Teach them to make healthy choices
• Promote food portion control
• Display positive and supportive attitude
• Get active as a family
• Be consistent and persistent in your approach
• Have healthy snacks readily available in the house
• Limit screen time to 1-2 hours per day
• Do not use food as a punishment or as a reward (That is, cautiously choose incentives, rewards, and consequences that do not involve food)