Currently in France, one child in eight is affected by obesity, which is twice more than a decade ago. You should know that beyond the psychological problems (rejection, mockery, decreased self-esteem ...), the disease reduces life expectancy by 13 years!
In fact, it increases the risk of many diseases: 2 / 3 of children will remain obese in adulthood, with risk of cardiovascular complications multiplied by three, multiplied by nine diabetes, orthopedic problems ...
Early identification
The aim is not to advocate the thinness, but to identify as early as possible any excessive weight gain. But excess weight is often subjective and its perception varies among families. Seeing ribs is draw their children, many parents tend to find them too thin (or this is normal until the age of 6 years). Conversely, a child round with a few folds tend to be reassuring.
It is therefore essential to use thebody mass index (BMI)A calculation taking into account the size and weight of the child at a given time. The figure thus obtained is independent of any medical or family.
The BMI should be calculated at all stages of life and reported on the curves of the health booklet. The plot of the curve allows to identify at an early weight gain over your child.
Appointment on January 8!
Organized at the initiative of the French Association of Ambulatory Pediatrics (AFPA), this first edition of the National Day of screening for childhood obesity will emphasize the importance of systematic monitoring of children. At the beginning a few pounds are not. Yet it is precisely when those few pounds move is the time.
The aim is to alert and inform families on this problem including the difficulty is largely based on the lack of early detection and the negative is that the public did.
More than 600 pediatricians offer families free consultations in the 77 municipalities participating.
Tips APMA
My child has a weight problem: what attitude to adopt?
- The whole family must take the same meal, otherwise the child will feel 'left out', as if we punished: he may suffer and sometimes eat in secret.
- The child is not 'plan'. The whole family must learn to eat better every day.
- Limit the temptation to be reused avoiding leaving the flat on the table or prepare just the amount needed for the meal the whole family.
- To slow down if your child eats too fast, wait until everyone has finished to move to the next dish.
- Do not take your meals in front of the TV because it helps catch food often more important.
- Adapt to the appetite of children. For example, do not force them to finish their plate, but do not let them choose if they want to eat.
Better to eat every day
- In a day, three meals and a snack is enough!
- Do not snack between meals and snacks, and do not drink soft drinks (even milk).
- Bread replaces the pastries and cakes for breakfast and lunch.
- Dairy products (cheese or dairy products) per meal is enough: it is therefore not combined the two during the same meal.
- A serving of meat (ham, meat, fish or egg) per day is enough: no need to do in the evening if the child has already eaten at noon.
- Seasonings systematic limit on all dishes, mayonnaise, sweet sauces, grated cheese ...
- We need to eat 5 fruits and vegetables every day must therefore serve all the meals!
- Do not drink that water!
Move every day
- On each occasion, choose stairs over elevators and escalators.
- For short trips, encourage walking, scootering, biking or roller in place of the car.
- Get off the bus or subway station before your stop.
- After school, children take a walk or square.
- Saturday and Sunday, expect a systematic exit to the outside.
- Minimize use of the stroller when the child is old enough to walk.
- Encourage your child to a sporting activity according to his taste so he wanted to go there regularly.
