Fitness
Fact-checked

At WiseGEEK, we're committed to delivering accurate, trustworthy information. Our expert-authored content is rigorously fact-checked and sourced from credible authorities. Discover how we uphold the highest standards in providing you with reliable knowledge.

Learn more...

What Are the Solutions for Childhood Obesity?

Patti Kate
Patti Kate

Finding solutions for childhood obesity means more than promoting a healthy diet and daily exercise. According to experts, it also means promoting awareness and education on this issue. Being aware that childhood obesity may stem from various factors can be the first step. While some medical experts claim a correlation between overweight children and genetics, there are proven solutions for childhood obesity. Parents can become actively involved with the child's school to promote healthy alternatives for school lunches and special programs for overweight children centered around the child's interest. Also, encouraging physical activities the entire family can enjoy together can offer the added advantage of promoting family togetherness.

Solutions for childhood obesity can be found by looking at the issue realistically. While it's important for a parent to address the issue for his individual child, many agree it should also be addressed as a widespread concern. Childhood obesity is a problem for millions of children in United States alone. Parents can become actively involved in community or town meetings.

Children should not eat too many foods with a lot of fat and calories, like cheeseburgers.
Children should not eat too many foods with a lot of fat and calories, like cheeseburgers.

Writing to food corporations, asking them to produce healthier snacks is another idea. Contacting the school board to suggest charges for school lunches can be a start as well. Parents can ask to see information about the ingredients, calories, and fat content in school lunches. Under the advice of pediatricians, the school lunches can be modified to meet healthier standards for children. Although it may take some time, this can be accomplished if parents join in their efforts to find solutions for childhood obesity.

Encouraging children to eat healthy snacks, instead of greasy food, is one way to curb childhood obesity.
Encouraging children to eat healthy snacks, instead of greasy food, is one way to curb childhood obesity.

Some children would rather watch television or play video games than play sports or participate in physical activities. This, however, does not have to have a negative effect. For example, parents can help their overweight child make positive choices when selecting a video game. Some games focus on physical fitness, which can be fun choices.

Solutions for childhood obesity can be found by making one small change at a time. Parent-teacher associations can meet to discuss suggestions. Parents can suggest things such as removing the junk food vending machines and replacing these options with healthy snacks. It may not be accomplished overnight, but group efforts can have a positive influence.

Watching too much television may contribute to child obesity.
Watching too much television may contribute to child obesity.

Experts also agree effective solutions for childhood obesity begin at home. Parents who take an active interest in their child's habits and lifestyle can intervene to make positive changes. Parents have the ability to set a positive example. If parents live a healthy lifestyle, their children are more likely to follow that path.

Discuss this Article

Post your comments
Login:
Forgot password?
Register:
    • Children should not eat too many foods with a lot of fat and calories, like cheeseburgers.
      By: Gena
      Children should not eat too many foods with a lot of fat and calories, like cheeseburgers.
    • Encouraging children to eat healthy snacks, instead of greasy food, is one way to curb childhood obesity.
      By: Ewa Brozek
      Encouraging children to eat healthy snacks, instead of greasy food, is one way to curb childhood obesity.
    • Watching too much television may contribute to child obesity.
      By: HaywireMedia
      Watching too much television may contribute to child obesity.
    • Children need to exercise, preferably outdoors, to maintain a healthy weight for their age and height.
      By: micromonkey
      Children need to exercise, preferably outdoors, to maintain a healthy weight for their age and height.
    • Cutting back on high calorie snacks can help children deal with obesity.
      By: nataliazakharova
      Cutting back on high calorie snacks can help children deal with obesity.
    • Eating lean meat sandwiches can help children fight obesity.
      By: Bert Folsom
      Eating lean meat sandwiches can help children fight obesity.
    • Research shows that kids tend to eat more vegetables and healthy foods at family-oriented meals.
      By: Kurhan
      Research shows that kids tend to eat more vegetables and healthy foods at family-oriented meals.
    • Introducing more fruits and vegetables into a child's diet can help with obesity.
      By: volff
      Introducing more fruits and vegetables into a child's diet can help with obesity.
    • There are no legal diet drugs to give children under the age of 16.
      By: Photographee.eu
      There are no legal diet drugs to give children under the age of 16.
    • Parents need to avoid easy meals which have empty calories.
      By: freshidea
      Parents need to avoid easy meals which have empty calories.