Obesity Awareness

Obesity is not new to our society.  However, now more than ever due to isolation and limited activities, it’s even more difficult to maintain healthy habits. Part of the problem is the easy access to a television, computer, video games, or cellphones all day long. Why does this matter? More screen time = less moving around.  Living this sedentary lifestyle is not good for your child’s body; it can lead to childhood obesity, especially if weight problems run in the family.

What is considered overweight and obese?

Everyone has fat. The problem is when you have more body fat than what is healthy. This usually occurs when your body intakes more calories than it burns through physical activity. These extra calories are then stored as fat.

Being overweight is when a person weighs MORE than the recommended range for their gender, age, and height.
Being obese is when a person weighs MUCH MORE than the recommended range for their gender, age, and height.

You can calculate your child’s body mass index (BMI) to help determine where your child compares in the general percentile.  CALCULATOR. 

How does being overweight hurt your health?

Being overweight does not feel good, neither mentally nor physically.  Physically, it is often harder to breathe and sleep, making you feel exhausted.  Also, weighing too much can eventually make you sick.  Obese individuals have a higher chance of developing diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure, and other health problems. Mentally, obesity can make you feel sad, angry, and cause poor self-esteem. This will often lead to more eating or inactivity as a way to cope.

How can I help my child?

The best way to prevent obesity is to eat healthy and be active! Create new habits that will benefit you, your child, and the entire family.

• Drink plenty of water
• Make meals a collage of colors (Check out our super foods blog HERE)
• Implement daily exercise
• Limit screen time

Both the American Heart Association (AHA)  and the Center for Disease Control (CDC) recommend at least 60 minutes of physical activity every day for children.  Is your child getting enough?

If you’re looking for ideas to keep your child active, Gravity has some programs that can help!

Gravity Weekly Classes:

Grade School and Preschool Gymnastics– Not only is gymnastics a fun physical activity, it provides a solid foundation of important skills such as balance, strength, flexibility and overall body awareness.

Ninja Zone– a class that combines elements of gymnastics, martial arts, freestyle movement, and obstacle course training.

Other Fitness Programs:

No School Fun Days– Spend your day off school at Gravity. Our camps provide the opportunity to stay active all day long.

Preventing childhood obesity helps to protect your child’s health now and in the future.  Don’t wait until it’s too late!