Obesity in children can be very harmful for their future health. Children become overweight due to a number of reasons. Either it’s their unhealthy diet and lack of exercising or it is hereditary. In a very few cases it is due to hormonal imbalance.

Obese or overweight children are comparatively more prone to various health issues like high cholesterol, high blood pressure, early heart diseases, diabetes, weak bones and various other problems. Besides, obese children can be victim to psychological problems for being teased and unaccepted by friends and society.

It is always said that prevention is better than cure. Hence, we as parents should make sure that our children consume healthy food and avoid eating ‘junk” as much as possible. With the television, video games, and computer games coming in, children are becoming fairly inactive. We should keep our children active and on the go by making them exercise or play some kind of outdoor sport daily. Encourage them participate in the sport of their choice, which they enjoy. The activities that increase the heart rate moderately and cause mild sweating are the most effective. Children shouldn’t become fatigued, worked up or completely short of breath.

If it’s too late and your child is already overweight or obese, then it’s time to consult the doctor. It is important for you as a parent to be supportive and be there for your child. Avoid criticizing him and instead tell him you love him for the way he is.

Consult a dietician as well, and don’t jump to a diet plan. Instead make some alterations. Try and reduce the consumption of fatty foods and instead switch to fat-free and cholesterol free foods. Include a lot of vegetables and fruits in the diet. And most importantly make your child exercise regularly.