Since the 1970s childhood obesity has more than tripled in America. 1 in 5 school aged children are obese. These numbers are alarming considering the issues that have come with it, like diabetes at the age as low as 8!
There are many factors that play a role in the increasing rate of childhood obesity in today's day and age. Genetics, metabolism, eating and physical behaviors, community, amount of sleep, and negative childhood events.
We're going to discuss the eating and physical behaviors, I believe those habits have the largest effect on the child as a whole and they are habits that if not properly taught will be ingrained in them.
It's monkey see monkey do. Children are not equipped to make the proper decisions regarding their health. It's the parent or guardian's job to do that for them. Starting with basic nutrition and activity education for the adult is vital because they will be the ones passing it along to the child.
Getting the child involved in at least 30 minutes of vigorous movement a day is a great place to start. Honestly, with children having such high levels of natural energy it would be beneficial to involve them in an extracurricular activity involving some kind of aerobic exercise. This way they can have fun with their peers while incorporating movement.
As for nutrition, this is all up to the parents, yes I get it they only like dinosaur chicken nuggets, BUT this is where getting them involved in the food preparation can allow for children to expand their food preferences. Also, they do as you do, therefore if you're eating well they most likely will to! It's all about exposure!
It's so important to teach young ones healthy habits now that way they can carry them throughout life!
Reference: