What makes a fit kid fit?

So you have kids and you keep hearing about all the doom and gloom surrounding childhood obesity, but don’t know what to do. If you weren’t aware of it, let this be your wake-up call. This generation of kids may be the first that will not outlive their parents due primarily to illnesses related to inactivity and poor dietary choices. According to the Childhood Obesity Foundation (www.childhoodobesityfoundation.ca), Canadian childhood obesity rates have tripled in the last 25 years with approximately 26% of those 2-17 years old either overweight or obese.

Fast forward 20 years and a whopping 70% of the population between the ages of 35-44 will be overweight or obese (compared to a still shocking 57% now). The medical problems related to being overweight and obese include diabetes, cardiovascular disease, stroke, liver disease, respiratory problems such as asthma and sleep apnea, and others. Statistically, if you are obese by age 40, you can expect to die seven years earlier than someone of normal weight, which is the same as being a smoker. These medical problems don’t include the emotional or psychological challenges that are faced by children who are overweight or obese in a culture which idolizes six-pack abs and size zero clothes.

So now that you are worried that your children are going to die young, here’s what you can do about it.

1. Look at your family tree. Were your parents active? What foods were most common in your childhood home? This is not an exercise in blaming your parents, because they probably just followed their parents’ example. The difference is that your parents and grandparents were much more physically active than your generation is now and therefore had less issues with obesity. You can break that cycle today.
2. Look in the mirror. If you are overweight or obese, you have probably passed on your habits to your kids. If you make poor food choices or reward with food or worse yet, placate with food, your kids will do the same. If you aren’t physically active, chances are your kids aren’t either.
3. Look at your kids. Kids are not supposed to have bellies and double chins. This is not a judgement on body type, but rather a statement of reality. If your kids are overweight or obese, it is not their fault. As parents, it is your responsibility to teach your children morals, ethics, and basic life lessons. This includes how to be kind and respectful to others, proper eating, and how to love physical activity.
4. Look in the cupboard and fridge. If you are like most families, you’ve stocked the shelves with calorie dense and nutritionally sparse foods. The average can of pop has over 10 teaspoons of sugar, while the majority of meals are highly processed, and loaded with preservatives, salt, fat, and more sugar. At every meal, eat raw or lightly cooked vegetables and fruit, quality protein, and less engineered foods (that includes bread).
5. Look at the TV. It’s been shown that children that watch more than two hours of television, play video games, or spend time on the computer, are twice as likely to be overweight and obese as those who watch less than one hour. Just set the limit and turn it off.
6. Look at your community. What resources does your community have that you can take advantage of? What sports can your kids participate in? Where are the parks and recreation centres? Where are the indoor playgrounds for rainy days? It does not have to cost much, as most communities have free swim or gym times, and playground equipment is abundant across most neighbourhoods.
7. Look at your children’s school. What programs do they have at school? Are you active in the school, asking for physical activity and proper nutrition? Make sure your voice is heard so that physical education programs on not cut, but rather increased.

So what makes a fit kid fit? Mostly you. It puts a lot of pressure on you as a parent, but that is exactly what parenting is about. Setting a positive example and guiding our children towards a fulfilling life realized through better choices. You can help shape your children’s future by starting with their health.