Obesity in Children
By: Gretchen Bolander
Updated: June 25, 2010
More and more American children are overweight or even obese. Freeman pediatrician Dean Lasseter says it's a common problem among his patients. "It's calories in and calories out. Much of the problem has to do with the diet. Children are eating more, portion sizes are larger. There's more sugar in the diet."
Lasseter says that causes immediate problems like skeletal issues, as well as long term problems like heart disease, high cholesterol, and an increased risk for diabetes. "The most devastating may be the psycho-social aspects. Children who are obese face different pressures in school situations. Often victims of bullying, they're singled out, can suffer depression."
Lasseter says the first step is to pay more attention to what kids and the whole family are eating. Add more fresh fruits and vegetables and try to avoid items with high sugar content. Added Lasseter, "If the parents are going to eat healthy, the children eat healthy. We have to look at this early I feel. Parents need to be aware that the first two years hae the most opportunity to influence a child's eating habits."
Also, monitor your child's activities. Limit time at the computer or TV or playing video games to 60 minutes and encourage a more active lifestyle.
Lasseter says that causes immediate problems like skeletal issues, as well as long term problems like heart disease, high cholesterol, and an increased risk for diabetes. "The most devastating may be the psycho-social aspects. Children who are obese face different pressures in school situations. Often victims of bullying, they're singled out, can suffer depression."
Lasseter says the first step is to pay more attention to what kids and the whole family are eating. Add more fresh fruits and vegetables and try to avoid items with high sugar content. Added Lasseter, "If the parents are going to eat healthy, the children eat healthy. We have to look at this early I feel. Parents need to be aware that the first two years hae the most opportunity to influence a child's eating habits."
Also, monitor your child's activities. Limit time at the computer or TV or playing video games to 60 minutes and encourage a more active lifestyle.
