Obesity in kids: Help on how to tackle it
Here's a statistic that will really shock you; one in three 10-year-olds are now obese or overweight. And one in four kids aged 4 and 5 are too fat. This means that a quarter of all kids are too fat before they even start school and if you've got three kids, one of them could be obese before they start secondary school.
Being overweight doesn't just lead to your child being bullied, it can cause type 2 diabetes and all sorts of serious health problems in the future like high cholesterol, some cancers, problems with fertility and depression.
And the earlier they become obese, the greater the risk that they will suffer from one of these. Junk food ads, diets and a lack of exercise in schools have all been blamed.
So whether you're worried about your child's weight right now, want to know how you can prevent your child from becoming obese or just want to know a bit more, we're here to help. From planning healthy meals and easy lunchboxes, to discovering what's in your children's food, dealing with fussy eaters and getting them exercising, just click on the links below to help your child - and your whole family - become more healthy.
Obesity and your child's health
- Obesity in children: The facts, causes and treatment
- Diabetes: The facts
- Cholesterol: The facts
- Depression
- Expert health help
Combating obesity through exercise
- Check how much of your child's body is fat
- Healthy eating diets
- Fun ways to get fit as a family
- Exercises to suit your child's weight
- Expert diet tips
Getting your child to eat a balanced diet
- Healthy eating recipes
- Cheap, family recipes
- Lunchbox tips, including healthy snacks and puds
- The truth about what are good fats and bad fats
- Your child's food explained
- Expert food and nutrition help
Understanding why your child's overweight and what you can do
- How to spot and stop bullying
- What to do if your child hates P.E
- How to spot a depressed teen
- Talking to your child
- Dealing with fussy eaters
- Stop your kids eating junk food
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By Vicky Woollaston
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