Relax!
Recently we've noticed an increase in the number of parents concerned with their children's weight and health. This concern is valid since the prevalence of obesity and super-obesity in children has dramatically risen. Poor diet, watching too much television and playing video games coupled with a sedentary lifestyle has resulted in fatter children. Generally, fatter children are at an increased risk of becoming fatter adults and developing all the associated health problems. So when should a parent intervene? Will their intrusion develop further body image issues? How do you know if it's a problem that needs to be dealt with?
Biology
During the prepubescent period there is a large hormonal shift that causes dramatic changes to our children's bodies. Your daughters experience these changes a few years earlier compared to your sons. The increased levels of the female hormone, estrogen, result in the development of the typical female physique. Your daughter will develop breasts and begin to store more fat over her entire body, especially, around the typical female fat-storage areas. Your sons experience the male hormonal changes at a later age. During this time, it is common for young boys to increase their fat mass and some may even exhibit breast development. Once the testosterone levels increase, the fat is shed, muscles develop and the typical male physique surfaces. During these years, parents can expect large changes to their children's physiques. These processes should be considered natural.
What Should a Parent Do?
- When you notice large changes to your child's body composition such as increased fat mass, avoid becoming overly concerned. Instead, wait 6 months to a year to assess whether these changes are a result of the pubescent period.
- Continue to practice and encourage healthy eating and exercise habits.
- Inform and prepare your children for the changes they will be experiencing.
- Encourage acceptance of their body and type of physique.
- Ensure your children of your unconditional love.
- If your child is clearly obese or is experiencing disordered eating behaviors, consult a physician. Develop a network including your child's General Practitioner, a Psychiatrist/Counselor, Nutritionist, and Exercise Consultant to discover the real issues, how to appropriately address them, and how to take effective actions.
Remember, gaining fat during puberty is normal! However, this natural process combined with poor eating and insufficient exercise could result in both an adolescence and adulthood troubled with weight management issues. |
