Decreasing Childhood Obesity Begins at Home

Children can’t change their exercise and eating habits by themselves. They need the help and support of their families and other caregivers. This is why successful prevention and treatment of childhood obesity starts at home.

Childhood obesity is usually caused by kids eating too much and exercising too little. So creating new family habits around healthy eating and increased physical activity can help a child lose weight and can also improve the health of other family members.

Begin with changing family behaviors. Limit time in front of the computer or television, or the types and amounts of food eaten. These are the most difficult behaviors to change within the family. Start out with small changes to ensure long term success. Keep in mind a few helpful hints:

• Take it slow. The first rule of change is to not make it a race. Time and dedication are necessary to unlearn unhealthy behaviors.
• Think small. Small changes can make a big difference over time. Pick a few small changes that are “doable”, like turning off the TV during dinner, limiting soda pop and increasing milk or water consumption.
• Have a goal. Make sure they are reasonable, achievable goals. For example, eating fresh fruit or vegetables as an afternoon snack or only eating at fast food restaurants twice a month.

Mom and Dad, you need to be a positive role model. The best way to get your child on board with a new, healthier lifestyle is to commit to the changes yourself. Don’t isolate your child out as the only one in the family that needs to change habits. Your actions teach your child what to eat, how much to eat and when to eat. This also applies to physical activity too. If you are a couch potato, your child will be too. Make it a priority to encourage group physical activity on a daily basis for more success. Here are a few ways that you can be a positive role model:

• Eat healthier, nutritious foods.
• Control your portion size.
• Limit your consumption of treats and snacks.
• Be physically active on a daily basis.
• Limit your time in front of the TV and computer.

We all realize that changes in our lives are very difficult and they take a lot of effort. Making changes when today’s families are juggling schedules, dealing with money and time constraints, and all the other stressors and demands on our daily lives present their own challenges. But if your family works together and supports each others’ efforts, then success is more likely. In time, the new changes will be incorporated into your family’s everyday life and they will become just the ways things are done. When healthy habits become part of your daily routine, you and your family will be well on their way to improving overall health and decreasing the childhood obesity epidemic in our country.

By Stephanie Stichter R.N.
Nurse Consultant
Community Coordinated Child Care (4-C) - SDA 2