KIDS LOVE FITNESS, TOO!
More than 60% of American adults are overweight, including 27% who are obese, almost double the rate of 25 years ago. One in eight school-age children is obese. Type 2 diabetes is now epidemic, mostly because of our bulging waistlines.

Why is exercise or physical activity important for children?

Physical activity produces overall physical, psychological and social benefits. Inactive children are likely to become inactive adults. And physical activity helps with

• controlling weight
• reducing blood pressure
• raising HDL ("good") cholesterol
• reducing the risk of diabetes and some kinds of cancer
• improved psychological well-being, including gaining more self-confidence and higher self-esteem 

How do I promote physical activity in my child?

• Physical activity should be increased by reducing sedentary time (e.g., watching television, playing computer video games or talking on the phone).
• Physical activity should be fun for children and adolescents.

Parents – you are your child’s role model for an active lifestyle and healthy eating.  So, be a healthy role model--if your children see you eating nutritious foods and going for a walk, they are going to want to do it too." for a child to lose weight, it helps if it is a family affair--parents must exercise with their child, and eat healthy meals and snacks with their child.  Provide children with opportunities for increased physical activity.  All children, even less-coordinated ones, need to be physically active.  Activity may be particularly helpful for the physical and psychological well-being of children with a weight problem. 

IMPORTANT:  SELF ESTEEM IS A DELICATE ISSUE

NEVER SAY “DIET” – this sounds restrictive.  Explain new eating habits as a healthy lifestyle.

The American Heart Association recommends:

• All children age 2 and older should participate in at least 30 minutes of enjoyable, moderate-intensity activities every day.
• They should also perform at least 30 minutes of vigorous physical activities at least 3–4 days each week to achieve and maintain a good level of cardio respiratory (heart and lung) fitness.
• If your child or children don't have a full 30-minute activity break each day, try to provide at least two 15-minute periods or three 10-minute periods in which they can engage in vigorous activities appropriate to their age, gender and stage of physical and emotional development.

AHA Scientific Position

Physical inactivity is a major risk factor for developing coronary artery disease. It also increases the risk of stroke and such other major cardiovascular risk factors as obesity, high blood pressure, low HDL ("good") cholesterol and diabetes. The American Heart Association recommends that children and adolescents participate in at least 60 minutes of moderate to vigorous physical activity every day.

 

Parents please do not go overboard worrying over baby fat. You will transmit this paranoia to the child who will feel that he/she is unattractive and that the only way to win people’s approval is by being thin. This is exactly what every parent should avoid. The last thing you want is to sow the seeds of an eating disorder like anorexia or bulimia in the mind of your child. The child should never be made to feel that his or her self-esteem is linked to physical appearance. Remember that most children lose that ‘puppy fat’ with the arrival of puberty.