Dr. Atul Peters

COVID-19 Pandemic: Increase risk factors for childhood obesity

risk factors for childhood obesity

Combating Childhood Obesity During COVID-19: Tips for Keeping Kids Active and Healthy

Childhood obesity is a major risk factor for obesity in later life, which is associated with health problems such as heart disease and diabetes. Prolonged school closures due to COVID-19 could raise risk factors for weight gain in children. Parents need to know about the significance of keeping their children active to lessen risk factors for childhood obesity even with school closures and social distancing.

Challenges in Managing Screen Time

During the pandemic, parents are finding it challenging to limit their children’s screen time and encourage physical activities — especially while balancing work, managing household chores, and supervising online school assignments. Closures of parks and public places have forced children to temporarily restraint from sports and other activities. Social distancing also reduces the chance for children to exercise and play outdoors. Another concern here is that increased screen time is connected with increased snacking. Families and children are dealing with increased boredom and anxiety, and these sentiments eventually relate to overeating.

Benefits of Exercise During COVID-19

Regular exercise is vital for all, including children. Children will be more interested in exercise if the whole family participates, like yoga sessions at home, dancing together, walking the dog or family walks, etc. Many online services offer exercise videos, especially for children. Work with your child to set an age-appropriate exercise goal, to encourage them to keep moving. However, for the following reasons, exercise is particularly important for children during the COVID-19 pandemic:

Healthy Eating Tips for Families

Also, here are some healthy eating tips for your family.

Also Read: Benefits of Losing Weight

Conclusion

A healthy diet along with regular physical activity can help children stay fit while schools are closed. Taking steps to reduce your child’s risk factors for childhood obesity during the COVID-19 pandemic and all year long will lay the foundation for a lifespan of good health.

Have queries related to nutrition and diet? Consult today with Smart Cliniqs’s nutrition counsellor.

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