THE SUPERSIZE GENERATION

Fat and unfit, our children are becoming a worry for health experts

When reports show that one out of four Delhi children is obese, you sure know that the word 8220;supersizing8221; is no exaggeration. The last decade has seen a rapid growth in childhood obesity globally. In India, the incidence of overweight urban children exceeds the global average of 24 per cent, which is indeed disturbing and surprising, considering the fact we are still not a fully developed nation. Where are we going wrong? Do we realize the seriousness of this problem? Are we prepared to take it on?

Obesity in childhood increases the risk of chronic diseases like coronary heart disease, diabetes, hypertension, cancer, leads to shorter life expectancy, psychological problems, low self-esteem, depression and can trigger hormonal imbalance, infertility, skin and hair problems, osteoporosis, and respiratory disorders. nbsp;

The chief cause is the 8220;obesogenic environment8221; that favours poor food choices coupled with passive entertainment and sedentary living. Overweight and obesity are, moreover, notoriously difficult to correct once they set in. There is an established risk of overweight during childhood persisting into adolescence and adulthood. Also, it has been reported that later the weight-gain in childhood and adolescence, the greater the persistence. More than 60 per cent of overweight children have at least one additional risk factor for cardiovascular disease, such as raised blood pressure, hyperlipidaemia increased blood cholesterol levels, or hyperinsulinemia increased insulin levels, and more than 20 per cent have two or more risk factors. On the more positive side, there is evidence that it can be corrected. Early intervention and healthy eating habits can prevent kids from becoming overweight.

Keep them on their feet
Let your child engage in at least 30 minutes of moderate physical activity on most days of the week. Create opportunities for active family time together. nbsp;

Watch what they drink
It8217;s easy to consume a lot of sugar calories by drinking regular soda, fruit punch, juices, sweetened teas and sports drinks. Intake of one additional can or a glass of sugar sweetened drink has been associated with 60 per cent increased risk of becoming obese. Encourage unsweetened options. nbsp;

Limit TV time
Eating in front of the television has little to do with hunger, taste or awareness of food.nbsp;Kids should eat only in the kitchen or at the dining room table. nbsp;

More fruits and vegetables
Make a vegetable tray at the beginning of the week and set the 8220;five-a-day8221; challenge. Keep them accessible in a ready-to-eat form. Restrict intake of high calorie, low nutrient, oily, sugary and salty foods packaged and convenient snacks like biscuits, fried namkeens, burgers, pizzas etc..

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Shop and snack smart:
Keep only appropriate food around the house. Choose roasted/ baked snacks, low fat dairy products, fresh fruits and vegetables etc. Encourage whole family to eat healthy, not just your overweight child.

Maintain a division of responsibility
Parents should involve kids in meal planning using healthy eating principles. Encourage kids to help in cooking and shopping for nutritious food and reading labels. Ask them to find healthy recipes combining lots of different colours such as red tomatoes, green peas, orange carrots, and yellow sweet corn. Discuss importance of healthy eating and emphasize benefits of special food and risks of unhealthy lifestyles. Stress the importance of breakfast. Do not use junk food and sweets as rewards.

Be a role model. Lead by example.
Make healthy eating fun
Do not punish if your child has a snack. It8217;s better you congratulate him when he eats right. Beware of too much food restriction and preoccupation with weight control. Remember foods are not good or bad. It8217;s the amounts which make a difference.

For infants and young children:
Promote exclusive breastfeeding. Avoid added sugars in formulas. Do not force-feed your child. Accept the child8217;s ability to regulate energy intake rather than feed him until the plate is empty.