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Magazine
WELL BEING
Get active, eat healthy
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Preventing childhood obesity is not a problem if parents take the right steps. DR. S. SHANMUGASUNDARAM
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Photo: G.R.N. Somashekar
No activity: Less TV time prevents obesity.
When it comes to obesity, prevention is very important. Medical experts now view obesity as a chronic condition that is remarkably resistant to treatment. Obesity rates in Indian adults and children continue to climb, with no reversal of this trend in sight. Researchers believe high obesity rates are attributed to a sedentary lifestyle and too much snacking. Ironically while the importance of physical activity is gaining momentum among the scientific and public health communities, many of us are becoming more sedentary.
How can I get my children to be more active?
Every parent knows that children are creatures of habit. We try to set up routines for their lives (as well as ours). The good news is that once routines such as no television after school are established, they tend to run themselves. The bad news is that old routines, like turning on the TV when boredom strikes, take the same energy to change.
Limiting TV watching is a good step in preventing obesity. Many families restrict TV watching to only favourite shows, and use videos as treats. Several studies have found a strong link between television viewing and obesity.
This association is easily explained in terms of energy balance. First, kids burn fewer calories watching television than they do just sitting still. It is as though television puts them in to a hypametavalic trance.
Second, commercials for food products urge viewers to eat, and people love to snack while watching programmes. Third, children and teens who spend a lot of time in front of the television may not be developing the skill in sports and love of physical movement that make physical activity enjoyable.
What do I do when my children complain of boredom?
Let’s face it: the television is a great babysitter. It’s convenient, “free” and safe. It doesn’t make a mess and keeps the kids quiet. A diversion like this very hard to replace. But, in the long run, our children and families will be healthier if we learn to rely on the “electronic babysitter” less often. Older children can be encouraged to read, play board games and cards, or participate in school or community activities. Remember, even reading burns more calories than watching television. See what interests your child: arts and crafts projects, playing with friends, writing to a pen pal. Younger children may want to “help” with whatever you are doing, make a “house” under the kitchen table or play with toys.
Parents are not meant to provide full-time entertainment to their children, especially those old enough to amuse themselves. Offer a few suggestions, than tolerate some moping until the children find something to do.
How can I help my children become more active?
Be active yourself! Go with the kids. Play football, run races, go cycling or swimming together. Take family walks and hikes. Plan ways to incorporate some active and enjoyable family adventures into your life. Most important is to help your child find activities that are fun.
Shouldn’t we try to get our kids try to eat less?
Modelling healthful eating habits is very important. Admonishing children to eat less can backfire. Offer a variety of healthy foods at home, and limit empty calorie snacks.
Severe food restriction does not appear to offer a long-term solution to obesity. But it can create an unhealthy focus on dieting and body image, and even lead to eating disorders.
The writer is a Chennai-based cardiologist.
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