Childhood Obesity - SureSlim can help

Globally, the prevalence of youth who are overweight or obese has reached epidemic proportions. Rates of childhood obesity have tripled in the past 25 years and in Canada approximately 26% of children 2-17 are overweight or obese.
SureSlim’s youth program, (for kids 12 and over), can help your child or teen learn healthy eating habits for life and enjoy safe, rapid weight loss.

Being overweight or obese can negatively affect a child’s physical, emotional and social health. The following table shows some of the effects of obesity on children:

why physical activity can help with child obesity

social problems related to child obesity

PHYSICAL

EMOTIONAL

SOCIAL

Heart disease, caused by:

* high cholesterol
* high blood pressure

Type 2 diabetes
Asthma
Sleep apnea
Liver disease
Bone/joint problems
Type 2 diabetes

Increased risk of depression

High stress and anxiety

Behavioral problems

Learning problems

Low self esteem

Victims or perpetrators of bullying

Socially isolated

Teased by peers

why physical activity can help with childhood obesity

There are a number of factors that contribute to childhood obesity in children. Particularly, there has been a shift in diet toward energy-dense foods that are high in fats and sugars but low in vitamins, minerals and other nutrients, also known as “empty calories”. Activity levels have significantly decreased as well. Changes in modes of transportation, urbanization and a more sedentary lifestyle have all contributed to the growing trend of childhood obesity.

How can I tell if my child is overweight/obese ?

What if my child is overweight/obese?

SureSlim Can Help With childhood Obesity

Important: The adult BMI calculator cannot be used to determine whether a child, (2 -19 years of age) is overweight or obese.

While the child/teen BMI is used to screen children for obesity, additional assessments such as skinfold thickness measurements, evaluations of diet, physical activity, and family history are needed before a diagnosis can be made.

You can visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website to calculate your child’s BMI. Make sure to take accurate height and weight measurements first and follow up with your family physician if the results fall outside of the normal range.

The first step is to consult your health care advisor. It is important to remember that children have different nutritional and caloric needs than adults and any program to reduce weight must also allow for normal growth and development.

Here are some other helpful tips:

1. Lead by Example

By eating nutritional, well-balanced meals, limiting your intake of sugar and fat, and participating in daily, physical activity, you become a role model for your child.

2. Follow the 5-2-1-0 Rule

The Childhood Obesity Foundation has an excellent set of guidelines to promote a healthy lifestyle for your child. In short:

5 servings of fruit and vegetables per day

2 hours or less of screen time per day

1 hour or more of physical activity per day

0 sugar sweetened beverages per day

3. Eat at Home and Together

Try to eat as many meals as at home as possible. Set meal times and eat as a family. Studies have shown that children who eat meals at home with their family:

- are more likely to eat fruits, vegetables, grains and calcium-rich foods
- feel more connected to their family
- do better in school and are half as likely to have problems with substance abuse

4. Clean out the Cupboards

Don’t set your child up for failure by keeping high calorie/low nutrition snacks, such as chips, cookies, and sugar-sweetened drinks in the house. Here are some healthy snack ideas:

A medium-size apple
A medium-size banana
1 cup blueberries
1 cup grapes
1 cup carrots, broccoli, or bell peppers with 2 tbsp. hummus

5. Educate Yourself

To learn more about healthy eating, physical activities and how to help with childhood obesity, here are some resources:

Childhood Obesity Foundation
CDC - Physical Activity for Everyone
Fruits and Veggies Matter
We Can!
Kids Health

SureSlim

Can Help With Childhood Obesity

We offer programs for kids 12 years of age and older. Contact us and we’ll be happy to discuss how we can work with you, your child and your doctor for safe, healthy weight loss.