Is Your Child at Risk?

Overweight and obesity affect approximately 23% of Australians under the age of 18 with 6% being obese. In the decade from 1985 to 1995 the number of overweight children doubled while the number of obese tripled. Since 1995 there hasn’t been another study but the consensus is that these numbers are increasing further. With the increase in weight comes the increase of medical conditions. Some of these conditions are hypertension, dyslipidaemia, type 11 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, musculoskeletal discomfort, obstructive sleep apnea, heat intolerance, asthma, low self esteem and social and psychological problems.

So why do we have these problems and what can be done to improve the quality of life for our future generations?

Firstly their energy intake to expenditure needs to be balanced out. With the high consumption of processed high fat, high sugar, high salt foods there needs to be a high energy expenditure to burn away this excess.

The human body is designed to store fat for energy and warmth, so the more fat consumed and not used the more fat stored. Most kids will choose a sweet snack or packet of chips over a piece of fruit, so we need to educate our kids, and to do that we need to educate the parents.

If you are an overweight parent than the chances that your offspring are going to be overweight is increased. Stop buying packets of chips, soft drink, high calorie snacks and give them fruit and healthy alternatives. If you don’t buy it they can’t eat it. Have a look in your pantry and read the labels to see how much fat you are feeding your kids. Stir frying is an easy and quick healthy way to cook using any amount of ingredients. Including your family in the preparation of the meal can give them more interest in their food.

Secondly you need to change their sedentary activities to physical activities. Turning off the tv and computer and participating in some form of sport will increase energy expenditure and promote weight loss.

Strength training for children has shown to boost weight loss and help with the conditions listed above and if performed with the guidance and supervision of a qualified trainer is safer than team sports such as football and netball.

Building a strong and healthy body while they are young will benefit your family as they grow not only physically but mentally as well.

Mick Kenny Fit n’ Fabulous Personal Training

Child weightloss

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