When does obesity really begin?
The lifelong battle with obesity often starts in childhood. Obesity happens when a child’s energy or caloric intake is greater than what he needs for growth and activity. How does this happen?
Our sedentary and convenient lifestyles
Today’s world is all about convenience. However, it comes with a price…
Children enjoy fast food meals and sugar-sweetened drinks. These are high in calories but low in nutritional values.
Children are also into inactive lifestyle habits such as:
Ø Taking the elevator instead of the stairs
Ø Riding a jeep or tricycle instead of walking the short distance
Ø Playing with gadget games instead of running outside
Kapag kulang sa physical activities, your are prone to calorie imbalance --- when the energy intake is greater than the energy used for daily activities. As a result, extra calories are stored in the body as fat. The latest research findings show that more than the lack of physical activity, unhealthy feeding practices are a major cause of obesity.
More isn’t always better – it’s the right nutrition
As parents, we only want the best for our children. We think that by giving more, our child is better off. Let’s take protein as an example. Serving lots of protein-rich foods does not necessarily mean better nutrition for our child. Recent studies show that too much protein in a child’s diet puts him at risk for obesity later in life. This, in turn, leaves him open to chronic diseases like high blood pressure, heart disease and diabetes.
What can I do for my child?
Look into the kind of nutrition you provide your child. His chubby cheeks may not be a sign of good nutrition. Think again and choose wisely for him! Start now with a milk drink that has the right amount and quality of protein to help him build a strong nutritional foundation for life!
REFERENCES:
Kroke A, Manz F, Kersting M, et al. The DONALD study. History, current status and future perspectives. Eur J Nutr 2004 Feb; 43(1):45-54.
Koletzko, B. et al. Lower protein in infant formula is associated with lower weight up to 2y: a randomized clinical trial. American Journal of Clinical Nutrition. 2009; 89: 1863-45
Gardner DS, Hosking J, Metcalf BS, Jeffery AN, Voss LD, Wilkin TJ. Contribution of early weight gain to childhood overweight and metabolic health: a longitudinal study (EarlyBird 36). Pediatrics. 2009;123:e67-73
Metcalf BS, Hosking J, Jeffery AN, Voss LD, Henley W, Wilkin TJ Fatness leads to inactivity, but inactivity does not lead to fatness: a longitudinal study in children (EarlyBird 45). Arch Dis Child. 2011;96:942-47
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