Page 125 - FoodFocusThailand No.199 October 2022

SCIENCE & NUTRITION

children and teens, mostly become overweight or
obese as a result of poor eating habits and lack of
physical activity. However, these kids are still growing
and need a lot of good nutrition to build strong bodies,
but it does not have to involve empty calories like junk
food, soda, and fatty foods. Reading the labels will
usually help parents make better decisions in this case.
• Do’s Establishing an early relationship with
healthy foods by letting them try new fruits, vegetables,
and proteins from an early age is a good method to
encourage children to enjoy a healthy diet more. Also,
instead of soft drinks and high-sugar, high-fat snacks,
keep the refrigerator stocked with fat-free or low-fat
milk, fresh fruits, and vegetables. Remember that kids
should be motivated to maintain a healthy weight
without putting too much emphasis on the scale and
should only eat when hungry.
• Don’ts It is a big mistake to use food as a reward
or to withhold it as a punishment. Blaming your child
for being overweight is also wrong, as parents are the
ones who bear a great deal of responsibility and are
largely to blame for childhood obesity. Finally, extreme
fasting and constant shaming about being overweight
are strictly forbidden.
Therefore, Children who are overweight require a
hearty dose of empathy. Changing the eating habits
of a whole family, instead of just a child who faces
obesity, is always a good idea. It would help if you tried
encouraging kids to engage in physical activity. It could
be a stroll around the neighborhood or playing outside.
As simple as that or try setting a goal for 60 minutes
of moderate physical activity most days of the week
for school-age children to make them healthier and
maintain a healthy weight.

เอกสารอ้างอิง / References
1 www.matichon.co.th/publicize/news_3213547
2 www.amarinbabyandkids.com/health/disease/
obesity-in-kid/
3 www.medlineplus.gov/ency/patientinstructions/000384.htm
4 www.hsph.harvard.edu/obesity-prevention-source/
obesity-prevention/families/families-obesity-prevention-
recommendations-complete-list/
5 www.healthline.com/health/how-to-prevent-obesity#
prevention-for-kids

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