Evidence shows that obesity, infant mortality and poor health are strongly connected, and rates are higher in some black and minority ethnic (BME) groups. Recent studies have shown that obese children are more likely to have raised blood pressure, diabetes type 2, and high cholesterol and blood sugar levels. And the risk of children suffering from stroke and heart disease later in life is higher.
What can you do?
There are many ways we can tackle obesity, but the simplest way is to keep your child active and encourage healthy eating in the family from a young age.
Encourage your children to take part in activities that they find fun.
Play active games indoors and outdoors like hide & seek, hopscotch or games you all enjoy as a family.
Encourage your children to walk more to school and back or to the park or playground.
Praise and encourage your children when they take part in an activity and give them positive feedback.
Try and be a good role model.
How much should children eat?
We often get confused about how much we should feed our children and what the size of a portion is. Many of us are feeding our children almost adult portions. We should aim to feed our children 3 meals and 2 snacks a day.
Healthy snack?
Fresh fruit – chunks of melon, strawberries or grapes
Dried fruit – pieces of mango, banana, pineapple, cranberries or raisins. Don’t forget, a small handful is about the right amount for kids.
A handful of dry reduced sugar cereal with a few raisins or sultanas.
For more information on this article please contact Somshun Nessa, Health Development Worker: 07960 084 119.
Page sponsored by NHS Sheffield’s Healthy Communities Programme