Physician Offices in Washington DC Talk About Childhood Obesity
Obesity is one of the topmost public health concerns in the United States of America. In the recent years, childhood obesity has been growing at alarming rates. When a child becomes obese, it becomes a challenge for him/her to lose weight and lead a healthier life in their adult years, say doctors. That’s why it is crucial to address obesity issues in your child at the earliest.
In the wake of this situation, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) observes September as National Childhood Obesity Awareness Month. The objective is to raise awareness about childhood obesity and also provide guidance and tips to prevent obesity in children.
Many parents tend to take their child’s growing pounds lightly, thinking that he or she will lose these pounds later, which does not happen usually.
Physician offices in Washington DC can help in case you have obese children in your family. You can walk in and consult a doctor to address issues that often arise due to obesity and to take practical lifestyle tips.
Why childhood obesity needs to be taken seriously?
Childhood obesity is a medical condition; so please take it seriously. The extra pounds that your child is gaining at present is likely to trouble him or her in the adult years. Obesity is an invitation to chronic health conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, and others. It can also affect the self-esteem of the child and may led to depression.
What to do about it?
The first step is to talk with the doctor about your child’s obesity. Eating habits and sedentary lifestyle are two major factors that contribute to obesity in children.
Physician offices in Arlington VA can help you in this case. The clinic conducts cholesterol panel and hormone panel. The latter can be useful, as eating disorders are sometimes related to hormonal imbalances.
The next step is to check your child’s diet and lifestyle.
It starts at home
Parents set example for their children. So, if you are lax in exercise and tend to gorge on junk food, your child is likely to do the same.
Before you scold your child for eating unhealthy foods or not exercising, please take a hard look on your own habits. Home environment plays a crucial role in shaping a child’s habits.
If the whole family is into healthy lifestyle, children naturally adopt such a lifestyle in their lives.
Put your efforts into creating an active and healthy lifestyle at home for all members of the family. This will not only help your child lose weight, but also be beneficial to the whole family. Everybody will become fitter and choose healthier options in food and daily habits.
The emotional side of obesity
According to doctors at physician offices in Washington DC, emotions play a role in our eating habits. Don’t forget to check whether your child is depressed or in anxiety. This can make him/her overeat or eat sugary and carb-laden foods. Talk to your child gently and ask them how they usually feel. Is there something bothering them?
Bullying at school can also be one of the reasons for emotional problems in a child. This can further lead to bad eating habits, ultimately resulting in obesity.
When should you start worrying?
As per CDC, if your child’s Body Mass Index (BMI) touches or crosses the 95th percentile of other children at the same age group and sex, then your child is obese.
Crux:
Please do not ignore your child’s eating habits. Those bulges in the body are not cute at all; they are a warning signal. They can create a host of health problems later in life.
Walk in your nearest physician offices in Arlington VA and consult a doctor about childhood obesity.
