Sandy Crest Medical Centre - Health Tips
Childhood Obesity
Here in Barbados the incidence of childhood obesity has
increased significantly in the past two decades. As a general rule
“fat children” will eventually become “fat adults” unless there is a
concerted effort on the part of the parents, guardians, health care
providers and/ or the child to curb such an eventuality.
Healthy eating habits should begin at home. Obesity can be
prevented or even reversed in children by subscribing to the
following:
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Don't force children to eat when they aren’t hungry
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No child should be made to clean their plate if they are
already full
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Feed your child a healthy, balanced diet – no “junk food”
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A child should not be offered a fast food treat as a reward
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Fast food outings should be kept to a maximum of once per
month
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Limit your child's TV watching, recreational computer access
(e.g. MSN Chat) and encourage physical activity, like playing
outdoors. Offer to play outdoors with your child
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Limit your purchase of sweet drinks (including juices) for the
home and NEVER send these to school in your child’s lunchbox
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