Help kids help themselves

Educating your children, about health and health issues like noncommunicable diseases, can be one of the most impactful things you ever do for them, for now and for their futures. Equipping children with the knowledge about their bodies and empowering them with the tips and tools to build good health habits will help them create their own definition of a healthy life and encourage them to follow through with goals. This sense of ownership, especially for adolescents and teenagers, encourages a more proactive approach to health in general, with weight being just one aspect of it.  It also helps to approach health-related journeys as a way to add in all things good, rather than one that focuses primarily on deprivation!

Add in movement for well-being and weight management

A sedentary lifestyle is considered one of the main causes of childhood obesity. Physical activity and exercise works wonders for kids and adults alike.. Encourage kids to stay regular with activities they enjoy and expose them to new ones as well, so that exercises becomes a fun part of the day and not a chore. Better yet, join in… children often learn by example. Small changes like heading outside to play a game together vs. putting on a movie or having a mini dance party with the younger ones instead of only playing a video, help add in smaller and really fun pockets of activity.

Fill up on balanced nourishment

It is said that you can’t out-exercise an unhealthy diet… which brings us to the importance of childhood nutrition and a balanced daily diet! Load up on nutrient rich foods like vegetables, fruits, lean meats, whole grains etc. that meet your child’s health and growth requirements. Additionally, a deficiency of required nutrients can not only lead to a state of malnutrition but can also have inflammatory effects on the body that may lead to the development of obesity. Nutritional supplements, under the guidance of your doctor, can help provide building blocks to prevent micronutrient deficiency and may also help when dealing with fussy eaters. It’s also a good idea to keep healthy snacks and drinks accessible and in sight. While occasional treats to fast and junk foods are inevitable, try to avoid using indulgences as a way to ‘reward’ good behavior and achievements, or as a coping/soothing mechanism etc. This can help create a healthier relationship with food that they carry into adulthood as well. Another way to get your child more involved is to occasionally cook with them and make it a bonding experience, and let them create a meal for the entire family to enjoy.

Creating a balance to handle the sensitivities of weight management in children and adolescents is a nuanced process. With the potentially significant ill effects of childhood obesity, the importance of childhood nutrition and a wholistic and age-appropriate approach for exercise and physical and mental wellbeing cannot be understated. Healthy habits can last a lifetime and making them enjoyable and a part of the daily routine can help the entire family transition into a fulfilling wellness-focused lifestyle… healthier, happier kids make for healthier, happier adults! 

Disclaimer: The information mentioned in this document is only suggestive /for patient education and shall not be considered as a substitute for doctor’s advice or recommendations from Abbott. Please consult your doctor for more information.