AMARILLO, TEXAS -- Childhood obesity has more than doubled what it was 30 years ago. In our latest in focus report, Pronews 7 asked the experts how parents can help combat this growing problem. Dietitians say it's simple, parents need to be educated on feeding their children healthy, nutritious meals in a fun manner.
"It's important for kids to have nutritious meal because we know they're growing and we want them to be active and healthy. So part of the way we keep out bodies healthy, are through good nutrition, that's through a balanced meal with daily intake of all of our food groups," said Whitney Warminski, Northwest Texas Healthcare System Registered Dietitian.
Here's the statistics. 19.6% of all children between the age of 6 and 11 are obese. 30 years ago it was just 6.5%. Obese adolescents from 12 to 19 years of age are 18.1%
Those numbers reveal a shocking reality. Obese children are 70% more likely to suffer from cardiovascular system diseases, type II diabetes, hypertension, orthopedic complications with knees and other limbs and joints, sleep apnea, depression and asthma. That's just a short list of health problems obese children suffer.
Warminski says the more parents involve their children in making healthy choices the better, and for you to set a healthy example.
"Let your kids see you eating healthy options and enjoying them and that can really teach them to try new foods and learn to like them," said Warminski.
She adds, "take your kids shopping with you and let them learn to help make healthy choices. Even get them involved in the preparation phase."
"Put a basket on the kitchen counter and fill that full of fruits and vegetables and see what happens. I think you'll be surprised that kids will pick up things that they may not have before if they have access and also if they participate in selecting those items," said Brent Hoover, AISD Child Nutrition Services.
Warminski encourages parents make fun games for picking out meals or reward your children for making healthy food choices. She says it will make being and eating healthy fun and in turn, those choices will stay with your children as they grow older.
