By: Vaileria Dennis
Recent statistics are showing an alarming trend in children and obesity. A recent study estimates that over 33 percent of children living in the United States are overweight and at risk of developing diabetes, along with numerous other health conditions. A lack of exercise and poor eating habits are the main causes for the rise in childhood obesity, and health care professional’s state that unless there is a change, children are at risk of these problems continuing into their adult lives. The Mayo Clinic has recently stated that simple yoga exercises can help overweight children lose weight and prevent obesity, and these poses also have other potential health benefits as well.
Understanding childhood obesity
Obesity in children is a rising epidemic that can affect a child's life into adulthood. Childhood obesity is defined as when a child is carrying enough extra weight that if begins to affect their emotional and physical health. Childhood obesity is calculated by the body's mass index reading, which also takes into account height and age. If the measured weight of the child is over the accepted healthy average, they can be considered dangerously obese.
Causes of obesity in children
There are two main causes of obesity in children, unhealthy diet and lack of exercise. Children often miss breakfast, which is also the most important meal of the day. Not only are the vitamins and minerals children consume during a healthy breakfast necessary for development, it will also prevent children from munching on unhealthy snacks during the day. Eating breakfast is also essential for energy to help your child stay focused and alert during their busy day. The lack of physical activity that is becoming more common in younger children is also contributing to their alarming weight gain, and this unhealthy habit of inactivity can affect them the rest of their lives. Without regular exercise children will not burn off any of the extra calories that they consume throughout the day, which can result in unhealthy weight gain.
Effects of childhood obesity
Childhood obesity can affect your child's emotional and physical health, and some can be felt into adulthood. Children who are overweight are at a higher risk of developing certain disease and health problems that can be life threatening if left untreated. Diabetes, depression, stress and anxiety, along with heart related issues are all common in children who are dangerously overweight. These problems can continue to affect children long into their adult years.
Yoga can help prevent childhood obesity
There are safe and effective methods, parents and even teachers can use to help treat and prevent obesity in children. One method that is gaining in popularity is incorporating yoga exercises into your child's life. Yoga has been used for centuries as a natural method of treating the mind and body, and it is also safe for almost anyone to do. These relaxing exercises are not only easy for children to do, it is something that can benefit them throughout their lives. Yoga is also a fun and healthy activity for parents and children to do together, and can help strengthen familial bonds.
Yoga treats both the mind and body, which research has shown is necessary for good overall health. The stretching and breathing exercises that are performed during yoga can improve posture, loosen tight and sore muscles, along with improving your overall mood. Yoga exercises are also fun and easy for children to perform, which is important if you want your child to actively participate with you. Yoga exercises are a positive experience for adults and children, and most importantly there are not any risk of dangerous side effects.
The exercises can improve posture, strengthen and tone muscles, along with helping children improve their self-confidence. The relaxing breathing and meditation poses can also improve concentration, and help children learn how to deal with daily stress to prevent high anxiety levels. The skills that children learn during yoga will stay with them throughout their lives, and the added self-confidence and control will help them manage their weight into adulthood.
Summary
While childhood obesity might be on the rise, there is a safe and effective to help children learn how to manage their weight and stay healthy. Yoga is a natural way to strengthen the mind and the body, and improve overall health. It can teach children lessons that will help them throughout their lives, and there are not any side effects associated with the exercises. Yoga is safe, fun, and easy for children, and it can help them stay healthy and prevent obesity.
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