Today in America most people are aware of three crises currently being acted out: the ravages of Covid19; the inequities of the Justice System; and the increasing loss of financial security followed by homelessness currently being experienced by millions of Americans.
There is one crisis currently being acted out that has so far gone under the radar. When it reaches full speed and citizens finally take notice the effects of it could be permanently damaging to the health and well-being of the youth of this country, childhood obesity.
From:
COVID-19 lockdowns worsen childhood obesity, study finds
Research finds obese kids under lockdown in Italy ate more junk food, watched more TV at expense of physical activity
Date: June 3, 2020
Source: University at Buffalo
Summary:
Lockdowns implemented across the world due to the COVID-19 pandemic have negatively impacted diet, sleep and physical activity among children with obesity, according to new research.
The study, published in April in Obesity, examined 41 overweight children under confinement throughout March and April in Verona, Italy.
Compared to behaviors recorded a year prior, the children ate an additional meal per day; slept an extra half hour per day; added nearly five hours per day in front of phone, computer and television screens; and dramatically increased their consumption of red meat, sugary drinks and junk foods.
Physical activity, on the other hand, decreased by more than two hours per week, and the amount of vegetables consumed remained unchanged.
"The tragic COVID-19 pandemic has collateral effects extending beyond direct viral infection," says Myles Faith, PhD, UB childhood obesity expert and co-author on the study. "Children and teens struggling with obesity are placed in an unfortunate position of isolation that appears to create an unfavorable environment for maintaining healthy lifestyle behaviors."
"Recognizing these adverse collateral effects of the COVID-19 pandemic lockdown is critical in avoiding the depreciation of hard-fought weight control efforts among youths afflicted with excess weight," says Faith, chair and professor of counseling, school and educational psychology in the UB Graduate School of Education.
What is obesity?
Obesity is a medical condition in which excess fat has accumulated to an extent that it may have a negative effect on health.
What are the mental and health issues brought by obesity?
Obesity is correlated with various diseases and conditions, particularly cardiovascular diseases, type 2 diabetes, obstructive sleep apnea, certain types of cancer and osteoarthritis.
What can be done?
Feed growing children appropriate portion sizes
The American Academy of Pediatrics explains that toddlers don’t require huge amounts of food. From ages 1 to 3, every inch of height should equate to roughly 40 calories of food intake.
Encourage older children to learn what various portion sizes look like.
Build early relationships with healthy foods
Encourage your child to try a variety of different fruits, vegetables, and proteins from an early age. As they grow older, they may be more likely to incorporate these healthy foods into their own diet.
Eat healthy foods as a family
Changing eating habits as a family allows children to experience healthy eating early on. This will make it easier for them to continue following good eating habits as they grow into adults.
Encourage eating slowly and only when hungry
Overeating can happen if you eat when you’re not hungry. This excess fuel eventually becomes stored as body fat and can lead to obesity. Encourage your child to eat only when they feel hungry and to chew more slowly for better digestion.
Limit unhealthy foods in the household
If you bring unhealthy foods into the household, your child may be more likely to eat them. Try to stock the fridge and pantry with healthy foods, and allow less-healthy snacks as a rare “treat” instead.
Incorporate fun and exciting physical activity
The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends that kids and teens get at least 60 minutesTrusted Source of physical activity daily. Fun physical activities include games, sports, gym class, or even outdoor chores.
Limit your child’s screen time
More time spent sitting in front of a screen means less time for physical activity and good sleep. Because exercise and sleep play a role in a healthy weight, it’s important to encourage those activities over computer or TV time.
Make sure everyone is getting enough sleep
Research suggests that both childrenTrusted Source and adultsTrusted Source who don’t get enough sleep may end up weighing more. Healthy sleep habits from the National Sleep Foundation include a sleep schedule, a bedtime ritual, and a comfortable pillow and mattress.
Know what your child is eating outside of the home
Whether in school, with friends, or while being babysat, children have plenty of opportunities to eat unhealthy foods outside of the home. You can’t always be there to monitor what they eat, but asking questions can help.
Original Post: https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2020/06/200603194444.htm