Facts about prevention
Obesity is a chronic disease affecting increasing numbers of children and adolescents as well as adults. About 17 percent of children aged 2 to 19 are considered overweight compared to over 66 percent of adults who are considered overweight or obese.
Earlier onset of type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and obesity-related depression in children and adolescents is being seen by healthcare professionals. The longer a person is obese, the more significant obesity-related risk factors become. Given the chronic diseases and conditions associated with obesity and the fact that obesity is difficult to treat, prevention is extremely important.
A primary reason that prevention of obesity is so vital in children is because the likelihood of childhood obesity persisting into adulthood is thought to increase as the child ages.
Infants
According to the American Academy of Pediatrics and the CDC, breastfed babies are less likely to become overweight. The CDC also reports that the longer babies are breastfed, the less likely they are to become overweight as they grow older.
Children and adolescents
Young people generally become overweight or obese because they do not get enough physical activity in combination with pooreating habits. Genetics and lifestyle also contribute to a child's weight status.
Recommendations for preventionof overweight and obesity during childhood and adolescence include
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Gradually work to change family eating habits and activity levels rather than focusing on a child's weight.
**Be a role model. Parents who eat healthy foods and participate in physical activity set an exampleso that a child is more likely to dothe same.
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Encourage physical activity. Children should have 60 minutes of moderate physical activity most days of the week. More than 60 minutes of activity may promote weight loss and provideweight maintenance.
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Reduce "screen" time in front ofthe television and computer to less than two hours daily.
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Encourage children to eat when hungry and to eat slowly.