Childhood Obesity
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Physical Inactivity
Obesity appears to be greater among children who frequently watch television. Physical activity among children has declined while television viewing has increased. Television has an influence on childhood obesity because little energy is expended while viewing but also because of concurrent consumption of high-calorie snacks. Children should exercise regularly in order to burn fat and maintain an ideal weight. Adopting a formal exercise program, or simply becoming more active, is valuable to burn fat, increase energy expenditure, and maintain lost weight.
Diet
Children are influenced by the media, have more access to 'junk' foods, and no longer eat all of their meals at home. The easy availabity of high calorie foods and an increasing tendency towards sedentary activities increase the risk of obesity. Balanced diets with moderate calorie restriction, especially reduced dietary fat, have been used successfully in treating obesity. Fasting or extreme calorie restriction is not advisable for children. Not only is this approach psychologically stressful, but it may adversely affect growth and the child's perception of 'normal' eating. Children who handle stress with eating need to find other stress reduction techniques. Parents need to educate their children on the importance of limiting high calorie foods in the home and need to provide plenty of fruits and vegetables. Diet management coupled with exercise is an effective treatment for childhood obesity.
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