In a recent study of childhood obesity a number of environmental factors were identified that can be changed for a more favorable outcome.The study found that the primary indicator of childhood obesity was obese parents. Parents set a primary example in all things for their kids and nutritional habits along with activity are no exception. Our country, in fact all developed countries, are getting fatter. Obesity is on the rise and nearly 70% of Americans are overweight or obese. We are growing comfortable with our girth and accepting it as normal. We are passing that attitude to our children.Another common trait found among children who suffer obesity from an early age is eight hours a week or more of TV. These are findings relevant to very small children and are critical because watching TV promotes sedentary lifestyle and programs younger children to be entertained instead of seeking activity. As TV and video entertainment has become more ingrained in our culture we are desynthisized to how much time our kids spend just sitting around. This is not just limited to younger children but older kids and adults. This is another habit or culture that needs scrutiny.Our society is functioning on less and less sleep. Adults sleep less trying to do more with each day and kids sleep less because of the many entertainment options. Lack of sleep has been conclusively liked to over weight and obesity. This habit can be broken while at the same time fortifying the familial relationship. Less TV and more family interaction including sports, board games and reading together will tackle a number of challenges facing the modern familyObesity and childhood obesity can be caused by a number of environmental factors and even physiological causes can be mitigated with behavior. Of course, obese parents create a default environment for obese children. That’s not to say that it is deliberate or even a sign of ambivalence or neglect. Many are truly unaware how to deal with overweight and obesity or are confused so much information bombing them from all directions. A confused mind says “no” and the confusion about weight loss often promotes inaction.Obesity is typically classified as a Body Mass Index (BMI) of 30 or more. Over 35 reaching the classification of morbid obesity. Your doctor or a competent wellness coach can help you determine your BMI but most people are already well aware if they are overweight and if they are unsure about being obese, they at least know they are heavier than they should be. This is not a judgment but an illustration that if the habits and culture of your home and family have created weight management problems for you as a parent then it is more likely that you will pass those habits to your child.Start with an honest self-evaluation followed by a body composition analysis. Make any needed changes necessary to set a better example as a first step in creating an environment that will defeat childhood obesity.To make it simple, these four things will give you peace of mind and, if needed, get you on the right track:
An honest evaluation of your own wellness and healthy weight as a parent
Turning off the TV and committing to family time that promotes activity
Giving up activities that prevent you from getting adequate sleep
Being aware of appropriate BMI for your childrenEstablishing a legitimate baseline, which can be done with a body composition analysis, is critical and seeking out like-minded parents can reinforce ongoing commitment. Once you are setting the example and creating the proper environment to combat childhood obesity.