Childhood obesity is very common in the United States due to the constant availability of fast food, lack of enough exercise, and other factors.
It’s important to understand childhood obesity, so you can help your child maintain a healthy weight. Dr. Kerry Kirifides and Dr. Sonia Shastry, at Just Kids Pediatrics in Newark, DE, provide a wide range of pediatric medical services, including treatment of childhood obesity.
What You Need To Know About Childhood Obesity
Childhood obesity can have several causes, including:
- Genetics, because if obesity runs in your family, your child has an increased risk of becoming obese
- A poor diet, because foods with a high fat and sugar content can lead to consumption of excess calories
- Lack of exercise, because a sedentary lifestyle can keep your child from using up extra calories
Diet is a major factor to help prevent childhood obesity. Calorie intake is very important. You don’t want your child to consume excess calories. According to healthychildren.org, your child should consume:
- 1000 calories, if your child is 2-3 years old
- 1200-1400 calories, if your child is 4-8 years old
- 1400-1600 calories if you have a girl, or 1600-2000 calories if you have a boy 9-13 years old
- 1800 calories if you have a girl, or 2000-2400 calories if you have a boy 14-18 years old
Your child needs to consume nutrient-dense foods, including:
- Lean proteins like fish and poultry, and avoid high-fat meats like beef or pork
- Vegetables and fruits, especially with a high fiber content, so your child feels full and will eat less
- Whole grains, and avoid highly processed foods like white flour
- Low-fat dairy products, and avoid full-fat dairy products
Your child also needs to be active to burn off excess calories. Your child should be doing some form of moderate exercise or activity for at least 30 minutes on most days of the week.
Want To Know More About Childhood Obesity?
To learn more about the causes and prevention of childhood obesity, call Dr. Kerry Kirifides and Dr. Sonia Shastry at Just Kids Pediatrics in Newark, DE. You can reach them in the office by calling (302) 918-6400, so call today.
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