Last year, almost 70% of parents told pollsters from Mott Children's Hospital that they think the physical health of children and teens is getting worse. And they’re right.
A new survey of more than 6 million kids published in JAMA Network Open shows that almost 27% of children ages 2 to 5 are overweight or obese — and that percentage goes up to almost 39% in adolescents and teens.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, this sets kids up for premature high blood pressure and elevated LDL cholesterol, prediabetes and Type 2 diabetes, as well as anxiety, depression, asthma, kidney disease, joint and bone issues, decreasing brain power, and difficulty with relationships.
Chances are that if your child is overweight or obese, you're also struggling with your weight. After all, about 74% of American adults are contending with excess weight or obesity. If you're going to help your kids have a healthier, happier life, you'll need to make achieving a healthy weight and lifestyle a family project.
Sit down together and talk about why it matters that you work together to reclaim your health. Then set realistic goals.
For example, decide to give up french fries and soda for the first week. Then you can add further nutritional upgrades each week thereafter.
And set a schedule for family activities three days a week. You can include things such as walks, biking, visits to the gym, or a yoga class. Find joy in doing these things together.