In support of National Childhood Obesity Awareness Week, experts from Capital Health Plan are working to bring awareness to an issue increasingly affecting our state and nation. We strive to foster healthy development and strengthen initiatives aimed at preventing childhood obesity, which occurs when a child's weight exceeds the recommended range for their age and height – jeopardizing their overall well-being. Data from Florida Health Charts show that in 2021 almost one-third of Florida's public middle and high school students indicated that they were grappling with overweight or obesity issues. Obesity is a complex health concern with no single approach or solution. Obesity can be caused by numerous factors, including a person’s:
- Activity level
- Eating habits (what and how they eat)
- Genetic makeup
- Medications
- Underlying health problems
Many parents find themselves concerned about their children’s eating habits, fearing that their children might be eating too much or too little. Children commonly form preferences for particular foods, often less-than-nutritious things like mac and cheese, PB&J, chicken nuggets, etc. To alleviate worries while promoting healthy eating habits, it’s important to understand the roles both parents and children play in the eating process.
- Parents: Your job is to offer healthy and nutritious food options at meal times. You decide what food is available, when it’s available, and where it’s available. You have the authority to create a healthy environment to support your child’s well-being.
- Children: A child’s job is to properly select the amount of food they’ll eat. Children can have the autonomy to determine their own appetites and food preferences. When parents respect this autonomy, they allow their children to develop a positive relationship with healthy eating habits.
By understanding these unique roles, you can foster a balanced approach to healthy eating and proper nutrition for your children. Capital Health Plan recognizes the importance of fostering healthy lifestyles in children to effectively combat obesity. Among ways to help prevent childhood obesity:
- Eat together as a family as frequently as possible
- Make healthy food choices for meals
- Create a schedule for meal times to keep predictability
- Have meals often enough so snacking doesn’t becomes necessary
- Create a meal-time environment with no distractions such as TV
- Set screen time limits on electronic devices
- Integrate physical activity into your child’s daily life
- Stay up-to-date on doctors and dentist appointments
By prioritizing children's health, creating supportive environments, and teaching healthy eating strategies, we can pave the way for a healthier future. Let’s all unite during National Childhood Obesity Week – and beyond – to build a society where children thrive, free from the burdens of obesity.
Sourced By: Healthwise
Reviewed By: Capital Health Plan Physicians Group