Physical Activity is Essential to Prevent Child Obesity

There was a time when children used to spend most of their leisure time playing outdoor games and sports such as bicycle riding, running, cricket and more. Now, with the advancement in technology entertainment sources have been revolutionized with more options available for indoor activities such as internet surfing and playing video games. This has made the children less active and they do not get enough chances to increase their strength and endurance level through exercise. This trend has resulted in childhood obesity problems and has become a major source of concern for parents. According to a recent research conducted in Australia, one in every five children is obese or overweight.

Obese children are at the risk of many short-term psychological problems as well as long-term physical disorders. Isolation, poor self esteem and bullying are the short-term psychological problems that an obese child may face in an early age. As the child grows older, physical illnesses such as high blood pressure, Type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular diseases and hormonal imbalances are associated with obesity. Some of these diseases can be acute and may even lead to death. Therefore, it is very important to take immediate measures before the problems related with obesity are aggravated.

The two main causes of obesity in children are unhealthy diet and lack of exercise. Encouraging them for more physical activity will result in a better control of this problem. Simple measures can do the trick. Have a basketball net installed in the front lawn or arrange for more outdoor family picnics. Counselling will also help in changing the unhealthy eating and sleeping habits of younger children and teenagers.

We can prevent our children from many diseases by engaging them in any physical activity. Children should also be encouraged to join indoor sports centres. They arrange a range of indoor and healthy activities for children such as indoor cricket. According Australian standards, children between the ages of five and twelve years need a minimum of sixty minutes of exercise every day. The more is better.

Active children are more likely to perform better at academics, are more confident and are able to develop better social relationships. Child obesity is a serious problem that may lead to serious health concerns if not controlled at an earlier stage. There are a variety of junior sports organized by many sports centres. Parents and school authorities need to encourage children and teenagers to take part in such activities to a healthier and happier life.

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