Since 1985, the number of overweight children in Australia has tripled. More than a fifth of Australian children are overweight and the latest research now shows that 20 per cent of children are overweight or obese by the time they start kindergarten.
Frighteningly, many parents are unable to recognise that their children are overweight and exposing them to a variety of potential diseases. Many children may later endure cardiovascular problems and illnesses such as type 2 diabetes. Many overweight children are also at risk of being victims of discrimination and bullying.
To reduce obesity, essential changes to the home environment must be made, including the removal of televisions from children’s bedrooms and the return to family traditions such as eating dinner together at the dinner table. Whilst many parents are time poor, more attention must be paid to what our children eat, drink and how much they exercise.
As parents, we are ultimately responsible for the weight and wellbeing of our children; however, better education is required. There are many organisations and medical authorities that can assist parents with guidelines to follow in the fight against obesity, but access to these services is not always easy. Reducing obesity rates is vital to the health of our young Australians.
Tammy Homewood,
Owner Healthy Inspirations
