Carrying around excess weight can affect your child’s physical health and increase the risk of developing other conditions, such as heart disease or type 2 diabetes. Being overweight can also impact a child’s confidence and self-esteem. The skilled team of pediatricians and nurse practitioners at Just Kids Pediatrics in Newark treat childhood obesity and can help your son or daughter develop healthy habits.
Obesity and Overall Health
When obesity in children is left untreated, it can contribute to the development of many serious health problems. Obesity can lead to an increased risk of developing the following conditions and diseases:
- High blood pressure or hypertension
- High cholesterol
- Heart disease
- Type 2 diabetes
- Asthma
- Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD)
The skilled pediatricians and nurse practitioners at our office in Newark can help with child obesity. They can develop an individualized diet and exercise plan to help your child shed excess weight and improve overall health, which can significantly reduce the risk of the conditions listed above.
Healthy Eating
One aspect of preventing or overcoming obesity is developing healthy eating habits. A healthy and nutritious diet includes making good food choices and eating sensibly sized portions. Children should eat a balanced diet that includes lean proteins, such as chicken or fish; whole grains; healthy fats, such as nuts; and fresh fruits and vegetables. In addition to consuming healthy foods with nutritional value, it is also important to practice portion control. Eating too much of any food can contribute to excess weight gain.
Simple changes in eating habits can make a big difference over time. For example, replacing sugary treats with fresh fruits still allows your child to enjoy something sweet while also getting important vitamins and nutrients. Another dietary change that can be easily made is swapping soda and juice with water or milk. Soda and juice both contain a lot of sugar, which can contribute to weight gain and other health concerns.
Exercise
Exercise is another way to prevent or overcome child obesity. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention recommend kids engage in approximately 60 minutes of physical activity each day. There are many ways to increase physical activity, such as jogging, completing a fitness workout, or participating in sports. Fitting in exercise doesn’t always have to feel like a workout, though. Other ways to increase daily physical activity include playing tag or running around a playground. Just being active can have a positive impact on your child’s health.
Another thing to keep in mind when helping your child increase physical activity during the day is that the recommendation of 60 minutes does not have to be consecutive to be beneficial. For example, playing outside for 30 minutes early in the day and then at the park for another 30 minutes later in the day will still help with weight loss and improving overall health.
We can help your child overcome obesity. Our knowledgeable team can develop an effective diet and exercise plan tailored to your child’s unique personality and needs. Schedule an appointment with one of our providers for help with child obesity by calling Just Kids Pediatrics in Newark at (302) 918-6400.