Obesity among children is a world wide problem. One in three children are obese and will 70% of these children will be obese when they become adults.

I regularly watch “Supersize vs Superskinny” on the BBC network. A previous show was about the severe obesity problem in the USA as well as the UK. A funeral home in the USA have modified caskets to fit people weighting up to one ton, the mortician said not only have they sold these to adults but also quite a few to children. Some hospitals have also undergone construction to broaden doorways as well as buying bigger beds. Ambulances have also been revamped to fit bigger stretchers and they even have an industrial winch to pull the patient into the ambulance after they have been securely placed onto a stretcher. We cannot accept obesity in any way and need to fight against it.

Obesity is both an illness and a decision, first we need to get to the cause of the over eating, being it either depression, diabetes, or an under active thyroid. After treating the cause of gaining weight, we need to make the choice to improve our health. Over eating is a very bad habit and is extremely hard to break. You have to make a conscious decision to loose weight and you must truly want to do it. Living an active healthy life is not easy in the beginning, it consists of hard work and lots of effort. BUT as soon as you get the hang of it and you are not onlychanging your diet but changing your lifestyle, it will become effortless.

If a child has already lived an “eat what you want lifestyle” it is very difficult to get them to an “eat what you need lifestyle”. That is why from a very young age you should teach your children to eat healthily. Instead of buying them a sugar loaded ice cream you can make them ice lollies in the fridge by using 100% juice or even yogurt. Make it fun and create different layers and even have them join in the fun. Substitute oreo’s, wafers and choc chip cookies with digestive biscuits, as these not only have a lower amount of sugar but also improve their digestive system. Eliminate bread in their diets and rather opt for whole grain pita bread or wraps.

Fresh fruit and vegetables are compulsory for each growing child. Getting your child to eat vegetables isn’t always easy, but instead of boiling or steaming your vegetables, you can make them a veggie shake. By using a de-juicer you can have your kids get up to 5 vegetables in per day. By mixing in beets or even fruit you can change the colour and taste to something they would love to drink. Just don’t say anything… 🙂

We as adults should be an example for the youth and by changing their eating habits we can change our own. Ozone therapy can help you and your child loose weight in each steam session. Children over the age of 5 can benefit from ozone therapy not only by loosing weight but also improving their overall health. When a child goes for a therapy session make sure beforehand that they are able to communicate quickly and clearly. They should be able to tell you if they are too hot, dehydrated or if they would like to get out. Ozone therapy is not dangerous, but prolonged heat may effect us differently each time. Also remember to drink lots of water.

How will you improve your child’s diet?