It is very important to address childhood obesity at an early stage. It has been found that the obesity level in children has risen considerably in the last few years, and this is mainly because addressing childhood obesity was never been taken seriously. Therefore, this has lead to an increase in the obesity rate of children. Both, the government and parents are concerned and have initiated steps to address childhood obesity. It has been seen that the main reason for childhood obesity is the consumption of junk foods.

Junk food

To address childhood obesity first thing we need to do is to cut off junk food from children's diet. Due to various reasons junk food has become very popular amongst children. Their taste and easy accessibility has drawn children towards them. Children are not only given junk food at home but these are available in large quantities in schools also. Most of the vending machines in schools are full of varieties of crisps, chocolates and colas. These junk foods are cheaper than fruits and vegetables, and thus fits into a student’s pocket money. To address childhood obesity one thing needs to be kept in mind - children are also encouraged by parents to have junk foods whenever they are out over the weekends or also on weekdays. Children find having a burger, pizza or fries tastier than having a bowl of soup or salad. These junk foods are full of fat and leads to quick accumulation of the same in the kid’s body.

Replacement of junk food

To address childhood obesity, these junk foods needs to be replaced by something healthier. It is good to include vegetable sticks with dips, pro biotic yoghurts and fruits in the meal. Flavoured milk, milkshakes and fruit juices are good alternatives to colas. The school vending machines ideally should start stacking healthy cereal bars instead of chocolates.

Addressing childhood obesity is not a difficult task but it needs time and care. If children are given healthy food from childhood they will not be drawn towards the junk foods. However, while addressing childhood obesity one needs to keep in mind that although the main culprit is junk food, inadequate mobility is also another major reason. Thus, to address childhood obesity and put a check on it, one needs to plan a strategy and slowly help the child come out of this phase.

Image credit: dailyheadlineblog.com, ifood.tv