Bledidoc Advice

1. It is essential to understand that it is a medical condition that results in 1.700.000.000 overweight and 760.000.000 obese people in the world.
2. It is therefore a frequent problem and a burden .
3. With More Than 15 Complications: high blood pressure, high cholesterol, insulin resistance, diabetes mellitus, liver and/or pancreatic disease, stones, asthma, dyspnea, headaches, orthopedic disorders, menstruation, obstructive apnea, enuresis, snoring... last but not least psycho-social suffering with poor self-image, with 300,000 deaths/year in the U.S.A.

Only when these three concepts are understood, acquired, and became convincing, we can move onto the advice which will lead to:

1. A New Lifestyle: The child does not make the connection between his or her diet and weight. It is often a reflection of what is going on at home.
2. A Balanced and Healthy Diet:  Low-calorie foods consisting of vegetables, greens and fruits should fill up half of the plate. Buy them and cook them with the children to take the opportunity to explain the advantages and disadvantages of each one.
3. Use Small Plates: By doing so, you will teach them about portion sizes.
4. No Snacking: It can lead to disaster. Therefore, limit yourself to 3 meals with 2 snacks and limit the consumption of juices high in sugar.
5. Avoid Using Food as a Reward: Using food as an incentive will change your and their perception of it. (chocolate, ice cream...).
6. Encourage Activity: Specifically, physical activity, to encourage the balance between the consumption of food and its usage for energy (take the stairs rather than elevator).
7. Limit TV or its Equivalent(s): Limit the consumption of television, or usage of smartphones of video games to a maximum of 2 hours a day.
8. Get Enough Sleep.
9. Hang More Educational Posters in the kitchen and at school.
10. Finally Consult a Pediatrician:  Insist on him to provide you with the BMI measurements on the growth curves, for diagnosis, follow-up and especially for advice.

P.S: DO NOT Feel Guilty: Many factors play a role, particularly genetics, slow metabolism, leptin levels, insulin resistance...

Dr Georges Aramouni

Neonatologist Pediatrician

^Worldometer

^{CDC obesity, saving lives - AAP; Policy explained - Healthy children}

^{Stephen R. Daniels, Sandra G. Hassink and COMMITTEE ON NUTRITION; Pediatrics June 2015, .2015-1558;}

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