Obesity is not a "beauty issue", but a disease
Obesity is a chronic disease, not an appearance defect or the result of laziness. It does not go away on its own and is prone to recurrence. Children do not "grow out of it" - without proper support, it usually lasts until adulthood. It can lead, among others: to insulin resistance, type 2 diabetes, hypertension, fatty liver disease, joint problems, but also to low self-esteem and depressed mood.
Many factors influence a child's body weight: genes, sleep, stress, certain medications, even unhealthy food advertisements or the lack of a safe place to play. It is not only the "parents' fault" - but parents have a huge influence on what the child's everyday life looks like.
How to check if your child's weight is normal?
In children, BMI itself is not assessed, as in adults. The result is compared with the so-called percentile charts that take into account the child's age and gender.
BMI between the 85th and 95th percentile – overweight. It is not yet a disease, but a signal that it is worth taking preventive measures.
BMI above the 95th percentile - initial diagnosis of obesity. Time to see a doctor.
You can check your child's BMI percentile in the online calculator at Nauka.czd.pl/kalkulator-2.
Movement that pleases, not punishes
Physical activity is not only about burning calories. It improves sleep, concentration and mood, strengthens bones and muscles, reduces anxiety and the risk of depression, builds self-confidence and relationships with peers. These benefits occur regardless of whether weight is lost.
However, overweight children find it difficult to move: they get tired faster, they feel pain, they feel ashamed, and they are ridiculed. This creates a vicious circle - the less exercise, the worse the condition and the greater the reluctance to be active. To stop it, the movement must be comfortable, pleasant and easy for the child to perform.
How to find an activity for your child
Talk. Ask what he likes, how he feels during PE or training and what would help him feel more confident.
Don't talk about losing weight. Look for activities that give you satisfaction. Exercise treated solely as a way to lose weight quickly ceases to be enjoyable.
Make it easier. Comfortable clothes, a ride to classes, a bike or scooter at hand, a basket in the garden.
Get involved. Joint trips, games and fun work better than sending your child "to play sports."
It doesn't have to be a sport
Daily, unplanned movement is of great importance. Inspirations for the whole family:
bike to school, walk to the store or to visit friends,
playground, outdoor gym, trampoline park, climbing wall,
geocaching and hiking, e.g. along the trail of historical places,
movement games on the console - dance, tennis,
tag with younger siblings, walking a dog, playing with a pet,
social campaigns, e.g. forest cleaning.
A child who enjoys movement begins to look at his or her body not only in terms of its appearance, but also what it can do: "I am strong", "I can run several kilometers".
Let activity become your family tradition. Children adopt the habits of adults, and working together facilitates mutual motivation - especially at the beginning.
3 myths you should stop believing
“He'll grow out of it.” Without proper support, childhood obesity often persists into adulthood - children with obesity are as much as 70% more likely to continue it into adulthood.
“Slim is healthy.” Body weight is just one indicator of health. Eating habits, exercise and overall health are equally important.
"If I tell him he's too fat, he'll get motivated." Criticism has the opposite effect. It motivates positive reinforcement and a focus on health, not appearance.
