The key to leading by example is simple: become a beacon of healthy choices. If you've embraced a lifestyle of maintaining an ideal body weight, regular exercise, and nourishing meals, you're already championing the cause.
And if you're yet to embark on this journey, worry not! Today marks a fresh opportunity to begin. The clock doesn't tick against you; it invites you to start anew.
Childhood obesity, unfortunately, paints a common canvas, affecting around 19.3% of children in the United States. For a deeper dive into the perils of obesity and being overweight, I invite you to explore my other articles: https://www.whyheartsmatter.com/post/why-you-can-t-give-up-trying-to-lose-weight
Interestingly, the scales of obesity seem tipped by parental influence. If one parent is obese, a child's chances of following suit rise by 50%. When both parents grapple with obesity, the likelihood surges to 80%. While genetics play a part, the power of environmental factors to reshape this narrative is undeniable.
So, how can you identify if your child is facing obesity?
According to WHO guidelines, when a child's weight for height surpasses 2 standard deviations, it's a signal of being overweight. Stepping beyond 3 standard deviations is a marker of obesity.
For a clearer understanding of weight-for-height ranges among children aged 5 to 19, I encourage you to refer to this informative chart: https://www.who.int/toolkits/growth-reference-data-for-5to19-years/indicators/bmi-for-age
Empowering actions lie within your grasp:
🥦 Fill your pantry and fridge with wholesome snacks.
🍰 Put a cap on treats and sugary drinks, including juices.
🛒 Make grocery shopping, cooking, and even cultivating food a family affair.
🍔 Trim down on processed food intake.
🏞️ Engage in physical activities together as a family.
📺 Keep screen time in check (less than 2 hours daily).
😴 Prioritize restful sleep and keep electronic gadgets out of the bedroom.
Remember, progress is your guiding star – perfection is not the goal.
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