Finding solutions for obese and overweight children: Prevention Skills

Finding solutions for obese and overweight children is very important to break the vicious circle of obesity and overweight in our children

When we talk of one being obese or overweight, it is a serious medical issue that should not be reduced to mere ridicule and accusation and counter accusation. It is all about your health and anything torching on health must not be taken for granted. That is why experts at AWAREmed Health and Wellness Resource Center under the able leadership of Doctor Dalal Akoury are not leaving anything to chance. Doctor Akoury and her team of experts are in the business of finding solutions for obese and overweight children among other health issues that are related to substance abuse and obesity. This is a worthy cause that every individual must embrace and contribute on positively. In the recent past several studies have established that the prevalence of overweight and obesity is at an alarming rate and the sooner something is done the better for the coming generation.

It is because of this reason that Dr. Akoury made a decision to create a medical center (AWAREmed Health and Wellness Resource Center) whose main objective is to transform each individual’s life through increasing awareness about health and wellness and by empowering individuals to find their own inner healing power. This great doctor practices, is primarily focuses on personalized medicine through healthy lifestyle choices that deal with primary prevention and underlying causes instead of patching up symptoms. When you’re under her care, you and your children will get the best in weight loss treatment thereby delivering a permanent kick out of the obesity pandemic. Therefore even as we progress into this discussion you may want to schedule for an appointment with doctor Akoury to get started since the early bird will always catch the worm. In the meantime, let us progress into the discussion by answering certain questions that is a concern to many people whose children are struggling with overweight and obesity.

Finding solutions for obese and overweight children: How much weight should be lost?

Losing weight is a process and never a destination. Therefore when losing weight, it must never be done in hast. The process should be systematic for some reasonable time. Doctor Akoury says that even though some parents when their children are diagnosed with certain diseases that are related to being overweight, they would want a quick solution thinking that this will be offering lasting solutions. This is not always the case but quite in the contrary a rapid weight loss or stringent dieting is not recommended for children who are still growing, unless this has been specifically advised by a specialist. In most in children, the primary objective should be to keep the weight at the same level as opposed to weight loss. Progressively in their growth and development children should not gain any weight or their weight gain should be slower than their height gain. Occasionally, when teenagers have slowed down on their growth, a weight loss of around 0.5 kg per week may be appropriate. This sharp contrast in weight loss in adult in relation to children necessitates that parents should work very closely with their pediatrician or child’s healthcare professional to advise appropriately on what is best for them based on an assessment.

Finding solutions for obese and overweight children: Treatment of childhood overweight or obesity

• The main way to treat a child who is overweight or obese is to look at changes that can be made to their lifestyle.
• Preferably changes targeting the involvement of the whole family are best.
• Other family members who are overweight may also benefit at the same time.
• Remember that as a parent you act as an important role model for your child and you can help them to stay healthy.
• The two main lifestyle changes that are advised for your child include, eating more but healthily and doing plenty of physical activity.
• Small, gradual changes may be best. Your child will then be more likely to stick to these changes with time.

Parents must endeavor to be involved as much as possible in helping their children make these changes. However, some older teenagers may prefer to take responsibility on their own. Think about how your child’s progress is going to be monitored. Discuss this with their healthcare professional. At every opportunity, give applause and reassure to your child in what they are doing.

Finding solutions for obese and overweight children: Healthily Eating

And like I have mentioned, overweight children should be encouraged to eat more healthily and to reduce the total number of calories that they eat.

Parents should take the responsibility for making changes to their children’s diet, more so when such children are under the age of 12.

It is equally important to involve the child as much as possible and to listen to their ideas and preferences when deciding on what changes to make on their diet or menu.

It may also be advisable to keep a record of what your children feed on.

Finding solutions for obese and overweight children: Plenty of physical activity

Experts recommend that children should do a minimum of 60 minutes of moderate physical activity every day. However it is important to note that these 60 minutes may not have to be done all at a go they can be broken up into 10- or 15-minute blocks. The amount of time the children spend doing sedentary activities, such as watching television, using computers, or playing video games should be discouraged and probably reduced to less than two hours each day. Parents should encourage their children to become more physically active by:

• Encourage active play for your child, including games that involve moving around, such as skipping, dancing, running or ball games.
• Encourage your child to spend less time sitting doing sedentary activities.
• Build physical activity into your child’s life in general. Try to be more active as a family. For example, walking or cycling to school and the shops, going swimming or to the park together.
• As a parent remember to be a good role model for your children.
• Help children to take part regularly in structured physical activities that they enjoy like dancing, football or other sports or swimming.

Finding solutions for obese and overweight children: Psychological support

As mentioned above, being overweight or obese as a child may lead to psychological problems for some children. Therefore parents should be able to discuss with their children about their feelings. This way you will be able to understand their challenges and be of help to them. Alongside that involving your child’s healthcare professional who are experts in counseling is very important. Remember that these specialists will help the children to increase confidence and self-esteem and to develop coping strategies for teasing or bullying where possible.

Finding solutions for obese and overweight children: Prevention Skills