Solving Childhood Obesity Is a
Family Affair

Parents’ reactions to an overweight child can vary. While many take it very seriously, some may laugh it off, thinking it’s cute. Others insist their child will grow out of his or her “baby fat.”

But Salem Hospital Clinical Dietitian Sandy Frank, registered and licensed dietitian, disagrees with both of those bromides. “Childhood obesity is no laughing matter,” she says, “because it leads to serious health conditions as a child and as an adult. And while some children do outgrow their weight problem, for most, if they continue the same eating patterns and lack of activities, it won’t go away.”

Eating together is healthier

Frank emphasizes that helping overweight youngsters is most effective when the whole family is involved. One of the most important approaches is ensuring that the family eats meals together.

“Families tend to eat healthier if they eat together,” Frank states. “And studies have shown that sharing family meals also contributes to reduced alcohol, tobacco and marijuana use in children. Another benefit is better communication among family members.”

Everyone in the family should practice healthy eating, so one youngster doesn’t feel singled out. Keeping the right foods in the house is also key. If there are “problem” foods like chips, only have them around occasionally.

The family also needs to work together on physical fitness. Exercise that gets the whole family involved and is enjoyable to them is more likely to be continued. Giving other family members positive feedback for their healthy choices is another important contributor to success.

“The effects of childhood obesity programs, such as Salem Hospital’s Committed to Kids™, can be emotional as well as physical,” Frank points out. “People who feel more comfortable with their health and appearance will be happier. It’s so rewarding to see what a difference these programs can make in people’s lives.”

Alarming Facts About Childhood Obesity

• During the past three decades, the childhood obesity rate has more than tripled.
• According to one study, 60 percent of obese children have at least one heart-disease risk factor, such as high cholesterol or blood pressure, and 25 percent have two or more risk factors.
• Type 2 diabetes, previously seen mostly in adults, is increasingly common among children. Experts believe childhood obesity is the cause.
• Overweight children are more likely to develop “metabolic syndrome,” a group of health problems that puts kids at risk for diabetes and heart disease.