According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), one in every six children is obese.
Most parents would be horrified if their child was called "obese," even if it was by a health professional, because the term has become synonymous with both the words "ugly" and "lesser." To combat this juxtaposition, a shift has occurred in the media and pop culture toward accepting every body type as beautiful. This shift has done wonders for self-esteem, but may be detrimental in terms of the war on obesity.
Fat is beautiful, sure, but it's not healthy.
Even in childhood, obesity and related habits are correlated with poor health. According to one study, children who are overweight show an increased risk of developing diabetes, sleep apnea, fatty liver disease and bone and joint problems, and the Bogalusa Heart Study is famous for determining that fatty buildup on the walls of coronary arteries can be found in children as young as 2. We also know that children who are obese grow up to be adults who are obese, with even more health challenges.
However, obesity itself is not the problem. Children's daily habits are the problem, such as time spent sitting, the amount of sugar eaten, or, let's be honest, the amount of sugar drank each day. These habits and others are contributing to obesity and the related health issues listed above in our children.
Gone are the days where children play endlessly, running around chasing imaginary bad guys with their bath-towel superhero capes. Children of today would much rather watch YouTube videos than play chase, and would rather drink soda than water.
In order to impact our children's health, we need to separate the issue of obesity from the issue of worth.
In fact, studies show that talking about your child's weight may actually be more detrimental to their health. So then, how do we talk to our kids about their weight without negatively impacting their self-esteem?
The simple answer: Don't.
Don't talk to them about their weight. Talk to them about their health.
Conversations between parents and children that emphasize healthy behaviors rather than weight reduction are more likely to result in positive behaviors. So tell them that active play will help their bones grow big and strong and will make their heart healthier. The CDC recommends 60 minutes of physical activity a day for children, but this can be broken up into 10-15 minute segments.
Tell them that the candy they are eyeing may mean more trips to the dentist. Tell them that fruits and vegetables will give them more energy. Tell them that drinking water will help their body feel better while playing and throughout the day.
Want to make an even bigger impact on your children's health? Teach your children by your example.
Put your cell phone down and play a game with your kids. Instead of watching Netflix after dinner, go for a walk. Empty the soda drawer in your fridge and fill it with water bottles. Incorporate more fresh vegetables and fruits into your family meals. Replace salty snacks with a basket of apples.
Remember, these are children; they are limited tremendously by what is available to them and they will be more agreeable to these lifestyle changes if you set the example.
If you want to impact your children's health tomorrow, talk to them about their health today.
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Amber Chelette is an assistant professor of kinesiology and leisure studies at Ouachita Baptist University in Arkadelphia. Her views do not necessarily reflect that of the university.
Editorial on 05/31/2018