A very concerning matter is that the number of children in the UK classed as obese is rapidly increasing.

The cause of obesity is due to two key factors i) consuming too many calories (particularly fats and sugars) and ii) not doing enough activity or exercise to burn off the calories consumed.

Due to the advances in technology and the doors that the internet has opened, many children now choose to play computer games, or socialise via the web as opposed to participating in physical ‘games’ that were once common place; Kirby kicks out on the street or rounders on the local green are almost a thing of the past. It is not just technology that has encouraged this shift in how spare time is passed but also the increasing levels of crime and anti-social behaviour which means that it’s not always safe for children to be out and about unsupervised.

The reason childhood obesity is of such concern is because there are so many health risks associated with obesity and in some cases these risks can be fatal.

* Risk of type 2 diabetes
* Joint and bone strains
* High blood pressure
* Heart disease
* Liver disease
* Early puberty
* Psychological problems
* Teasing

Making small changes to your child’s lifestyle can help prevent obesity and teach them how to lead a healthier more active way of life that they will hopefully follow for the rest of their life.

* Encourage participation in sports and physical activity
* Slowly change eating habits, teach children to eat slowly and savour their food
* Provide meals and snacks at regular times to avoid ‘grazing’ during the day
* Make meal times fun with lots of colourful fruit and vegetables
* Encourage children to listen to what their tummy says to prevent just eating for the sake of it

Putting children on diets can have long-term psychology affects therefore it is far healthier (for the body and mind) to follow a lifestyle rather than a ‘diet’
Following a low gi food plan is an ideal way to help develop a healthy relationship between food and weight as this plan promotes an overall healthy lifestyle.

The low gi diet is based on principles of the body releasing energy from food more slowly into the body which helps maintain energy levels, keeps you fuller for longer and helps regulate concentration levels.

For more information on the low gi diet visit www.lowgidiet.org.uk
For more information on preventing child obesity visit www.iotf.org/childhood