What can we do to prevent childhood obesity? Nutritionist's advice...

According to the survey, the number of overweight or obese children worldwide has increased from 31 million in 1990 to 42 million in 2015. In Taiwan, according to data from the Ministry of Education in 2015, the rates of overweight and obese students in elementary and junior high schools were 28.7% and 29.2%, respectively, nearly 30%, the highest in Asia.

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However, many parents still have the wrong idea about obese children. They think that if they are fat when they are young, they will naturally lose weight when they grow up, so there is no need to worry too much. However, most obese children continue to be obese when they enter adulthood, and obesity-related physical and mental illnesses will continue and worsen. Therefore, prevention of obesity in children is an urgent matter.

Parents play an important role in preventing childhood obesity because they are the ones who control their children's food supply and lifestyle. The American Academy of Pediatrics urges parents to do the following to prevent their children from obesity, including having their children eat five servings of vegetables and fruits (three vegetables and two fruits) a day; watching TV and using the computer for less than two hours a day; exercising for at least one hour a day; and not drinking sugary drinks (0). Eat breakfast every day, reduce eating out, and eat together as a family at least 5-6 times a week.

To help children establish good eating habits, it is very important for parents to set a good example. Therefore, we remind you not to criticize the quality of food in front of your children; do not eat only the food you like; and do not use food as a tool of reward, coercion, intimidation or threat to influence their eating behavior. Try to keep high-calorie foods away from home, such as desserts, chocolate, cream, sugary drinks, etc.; help your children prepare a healthy food table and create a pleasant dining environment, so that your children can grow up healthily and happily, and stay away from the threat of obesity.