Healthy Eating

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Expert Solutions: Overweight Kids

SparkPeople Experts Weigh-In on Issues with Overweight Children

Obesity has reached epidemic proportions in this country--and now it's been spilling over to our kids. Obesity among children is skyrocketing, and getting a lot of attention these days. Parents want to know how to prevent their own children from becoming overweight, and what to do when their child (or adolescent) is obese.

Expert: Jen Mueller, Certified Personal Trainer

I think the first place it starts is with parents. When I worked at the YMCA we had a program for severely obese kids, and 9 times out of 10 the entire family was obese too. So I think there is something within that family's lifestyle that needs to be addressed. A 10-year-old can't go grocery shopping for himself. But if he is given healthy options at home and the parents provide a good example, he's much more likely to continue that behavior--partly because it's familiar. If French fries are familiar at home, then he's more likely to eat that as he gets older and can make his own choices.

Same goes with exercise. If children are given a good example by their parents, and not allowed to sit in front of the TV all day, they are more likely to continue those active behaviors as they grow up.

I think parents can create a healthy environment without focusing on counting calories and losing weight. It's just about being healthy and getting active. I get nervous when I hear people asking for calorie recommendations for their kids. They'll get enough of that pressure from media and society--no need to create more of it at home.