Research shows higher amounts of fiber can promote weight loss and weight maintenance in children, while consuming low amounts of fiber will lead to a higher risk of developing childhood obesity.
As a parent, few things are more adorable than the round cheeks of your baby or the chubby legs of your toddler. But as children grow older, baby fat can become a health concern.
Today, nearly 1 in every 4 children in Canada and the US are overweight or obese. Those extra pounds put them at risk for serious health problems, including diabetes, asthma, heart disease, and even high blood pressure. Childhood obesity also takes an emotional toll.
Overweight children often have trouble joining in sports and activities and other kids may tease and exclude them, leading to low self-esteem, a poor body image, and even depression.
Every child grows at different rates at different times, so it's not always possible to tell if your child is overweight.
Body mass index (BMI) uses measurements of weight and height to estimate the amount of body fat a child has. The problem is, while BMI is often a good indicator, it is NOT an accurate measure of body fat and can be misleading - especially when children are going through periods of rapid growth.
If your child registers a high BMI-for-age measurement, you might want to ask your health care provider to perform further assessments and screenings to determine if excess weight is a problem.
Whatever your child’s weight, let them know that you love them and you want them be healthy and happy.
If your child struggles with their weight, you may feel helpless or alone, but there are steps you can take to help them.
The most important step is to change the eating habits of the entire family.
By getting the whole family involved, you can break the cycle of weight problems and obesity, boost your children’s physical and mental health, and help them establish a healthy relationship with food that will last a lifetime.
That's why Nutracelle makes delicious, sugar-free, plant-based vitamin gummies and high fiber & protein smoothies kids love!