Childhood obesityDid you know that the rate of obesity among children has more than doubled over the past 30 years or so? Yes, it’s true. As a matter of fact, more than one third of children and adolescents were considered to be either overweight or obese in the year 2012. Since then, childhood obesity rates in the Australia have continued to increase.

Not only are there immediate health effects such as pre diabetes associated with childhood obesity but there are numerous long term affects as well. Studies have revealed that those who are obese in adolescence are at a higher risk of being diagnosed with a serious disease as an adult. The most common diseases and conditions associated with obesity are different types of cancer, heart disease, diabetes, stroke and osteoarthritis. With all of the junk food in the world today, many parents are having a hard time keeping their kids healthy. If you have children, here are a few things you can do to help prevent them from becoming obese.

Always Eat Breakfast – Every kid should be eating a nutritious breakfast before heading off to school in order to sustain their energy throughout the day and help them focus on their assignments. A few healthy choices for the kids are yogurt cups, fruit, oatmeal, or vitamin packed smoothies.Eliminate Sodas – There’s no question that many kids throughout Australia are becoming addicted to caffeine at an early age despite doctors warning parents of its effects.

So many children these days reach for a soda when they’re thirsty, but they’re loaded with sugar. Instead of buying sodas for the house, it’s suggested you make your own fruit flavoured water or all natural fruit juices.Get Moving – Show your little one that exercising doesn’t have to be boring by getting out and riding bikes with them or playing around in the yard