Key Highlights:
- Ensuring Healthy routines and Sleep Habits
- Limiting Screen Time and promoting physical activities
- Encouraging a Balanced Diet
Childhood obesity presents a new added threat globally and it is resulted by poor diet or inadequate exercise/and too many screen-based activities, which has contributed to the child obesity rate because during the last thirty years, a new threat according to the world health organization to increase diabetes and diseases associated with hearts in later age, but at an early childhood, it might be easier that kids maintain some level of slim weight with active and healthy life.
- Healthy Dieting
A child’s diet should consist of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats. All this can never come to be without a firm stance against processed foods, high sugary drinks, and between-meal snacking. Parents should work towards preparing home-cooked meals and learning how to use the portion control technique.
- Adequate Physical Activity
Daily physical activity is a necessity to maintain the weight in check. Experts suggest at least 60 minutes per day of moderate-to-vigorous activity. Activities such as cycling, swimming, dancing, or outdoor games burn calories, making the muscles more muscular. A reduction in sedentary behavior, such as excessive television and mobile phone usage, also helps toward this end.
- Regulate Sleep Patterns
Studies have associated sleep deprivation with weight gain in children. The age range of 6-12 years is considered to need 9-12 hours of sleep, and teenagers are believed to require 8-10 hours of sleep. A healthy sleep schedule along with reduced screen time before bed will help improve sleep quality and maintain a proper balance of metabolism.
- Reduce Screen Time
Sedentary behavior increases due to excessive screen time, reduces physical activity, and leads to a high risk of obesity. Parents should limit the TV, tablet, and gaming time of their children to less than two hours a day and encourage hobbies like reading, art, or outdoor play.
- Lead by Example
Children learn behaviors from their surroundings. Parents and caregivers should be role models by eating healthy, exercising regularly, and having an active lifestyle. Family meals, group activities, and playtime encourage the environment.
Maintaining a healthy lifestyle through balanced eating, exercise, sleep, and less screen time obtains childhood obesity prevention. With these habits instilled early, children can be kept in good weight and away from long-term health complications.
