Pediatric obesity is a health-related phenomenon that caught widespread attention on the brink of the 21st century and continues to grow in cases at a frightening speed. Often attributed to a combination of hereditary problems and an unhealthy lifestyle, it is considered to be one of the leading causes of diabetes and cardiovascular diseases amongst youth. This paper will cover potential nutrition habits and changes in the lifestyle that may help prevent childhood obesity and consecutive health problems.
To begin with, the American Medical Association claims that childhood obesity is a pandemic and should be paid attention to and dealt with at various societal levels. In particular, Smith et al. (2020) distinguish three levels of social interventions that are aimed at child obesity prevention: community, school and family. The authors state those institutions can leverage healthy lifestyle agenda by incorporating it into media and different community centres, indoctrinating them into schools’ curricula and cultivating them at home. Furthermore, Smith et al. (2020) outline the basic principles and health advice, as recommended by physicians and nutritionists, for youngsters to maintain a lifestyle that will significantly decrease their chances of getting type 2 diabetes and heart complications. Specifically, an average kid or teen is expected to practice at least an hour of physical activity daily, “consume a variety of fruits and vegetables, whole grains, proteins, low-fat dairy products, and limit intake of sodium, solid fats and added sugars” (Smith et al., 2020, p. 14). Combined with a healthy amount of sleep and interventions of varying magnitude and occurrence, these measures are expected to not only prevent serious physical health problems but also reduce the risk of developing teen depression and eating disorders.
In conclusion, despite the ever-growing number of child obesity cases, the pandemic can be slowed down, if not stopped altogether, if the problem is addressed at different societal levels. By the joint forces of the local community, schools and families, a positive attitude of the youth toward healthy eating habits and physical culture can be introduced that can lead to a tectonic shift in consciousness regarding weight problems as well as overall lifestyle.
References
Smith, J. D., Fu, E. and Kobayashi, M. (2020). Prevention and management of childhood obesity and its psychological and health comorbidities. Annual Review of Clinical Psychology, 16, 351-378.