Overweight: When to Worry…

Baby Fat Baby fat has traditionally been a sign of healthy growth and development, but with overweight and obesity rapidly becoming a health concern parents may view it differently. At what age does that baby fat stop being cute and start becoming a sign of potential weight problems?

Childhood overweight on the rise Childhood overweight has become a concern because it has more than doubled in the past 25 years. Being overweight increases a child’s risk of a variety of health conditions, including heart disease, type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, sleep apnea, orthopedic abnormalities, and gallbladder disease.

Risk factors for childhood overweight Many overweight children do not become obese adults. Studies show that about 25% of obese adults were overweight as children. That percentage may increase if childhood overweight continues to rise.

Risk factors… Children who are born small but are genetically programmed to be larger tend to grow quickly during the first few years of life. After age 4, children with a BMI (body mass index) increasing into the 85% and higher percentile may be at risk for continued overweight

Risk factors… It is not recommended that overweight children in the 2- to 6-year age range lose weight, unless they have a weight-related health complication. The goal is to help the child maintain his current weight as he grows taller. A healthy lifestyle for the whole family, not weight loss, should be the goal.

Strategies to help children eat healthfully Increase the amount of fruits and vegetables in the child’s diet. Increase the amount of whole grains in the child’s diet. Switch from full-fat to low-fat or fat-free dairy products after the child turns 2 years old. Prepare and eat family meals at home. Start meals with a low-calorie salad or soup. Increase opportunities for daily physical fitness. Reduce TV, video, and computer time. Reduce the amount of sugar-sweetened beverages. Enlist the help of all caregivers so the child gets a consistent message.

Do as I do… It is important that parents model the behaviors they want to see in their child. Offer the same foods to everyone in the family, including yourself. Avoid using food as a bribe or reward.

Aim for variety… Buying products that are featured on sale each week at the local supermarket can help increase variety. Studies have shown that, in general, young children are not given numerous and consistent exposure to unfamiliar foods over time. A food offered once or twice is not enough 10 to 15 exposures are needed for increased acceptance to a new food. Patience and calm persistence, along with faith that the child will eventually enjoy a wide variety of foods, are the keys.

2 year-olds can help… At age 2, children can begin to help with meal preparation and gardening. When children help grow and prepare foods, they are often more willing to try them. Children enjoy simple tasks in the kitchen such as tearing lettuce for salads, setting the table, washing fruits and vegetables, and sprinkling cheese on homemade pizza.

Suggestions… Offer a selection of healthy foods at meal and snack times. Offer meals that are colorful and attractive. Ignore negative behaviors during meals. Give positive comments if child tries a new food Allow time for children to eat. Avoid rewarding children for eating, or punishing them for not eating. Avoid offering favorite foods all of the time. Eat together as a family at regular times as much as possible. Keep a small pitcher of water in the refrigerator and allow your child to pour his/her own water if able. This encourages drinking water. Never leave your young child unsupervised while eating. They might choke.

Give us a call… Parents as Teachers Provides information, support and encouragement to all parents in the Rice County area wanting to help their children develop optimally during the crucial early years of life. 620.257.5293 1.877.808.9639