What is Obesity and How to care

Obesity is a chronic disease affecting more and more children, adolescents and adults. It is associated with an increased risk of high blood pressure, heart disease, diabetes, joint diseases, psychological & behavioral disturbances. Considering the chronic diseases and conditions associated with obesity, the fact that obesity is difficult to treat, prevention is extremely important. A primary reason that prevention of obesity is so vital in children is because the likelihood of becoming obese adults is thought to increase from about 20 percent at four years of age to 80 percent by adolescence.

SELF-CARE OF OBESITY:

The following self-care tips help to prevent obesity and its dreadful complications:

·        Babies who are breastfed longer, less likely become overweight as they grow older.

·        Gradually work to change family eating habits and activity levels rather than focusing on weight. Change the habits and the weight will take care of itself.

·        Keep the refrigerator stocked with fat-free or low-fat milk, fresh fruit and vegetables instead of soft drinks, snacks high in sugar and fat.

·        Serve at least five servings of fruits and vegetables daily.

·        Encourage children to drink water rather than beverages with added sugar, such as soft drinks, sports drinks and fruit juices.

·        Choose whole grain foods such as brown rice and whole wheat bread. Avoid highly processed foods made with refined white sugar, flour and saturated fat.

·        Be a role model--Parents who eat healthy foods and are physically active, set an example that increases the likelihood their children will do the same.

·        Encourage physical activity. Children should have an hour of moderate physical activity most days of the week. More than an hour of activity may promote weight loss and subsequent maintenance.

·        Reduce time in front of the TV and computer.

·        Only eat when hungry and slowly.

·        Avoid using food as a reward or punishment.

·        Weigh yourself regularly.