Wellbeing Hawthorn talks Child Obesity

Child Obesity from our Chiropractor's point of view - Dr. Tom Dawson

(For more information, please email: info@wellbeinghawthorn.com.au)

The epidemic of general obesity, the condition of being very overweight as opposed to carrying a few extra kilos has now reached a state where it is the major health concern of our time, the problem really cannot be overstated.  As I discussed in a previous newsletter, the figures associated with the financial cont are staggering, direct loss of income, cost to the health care system and subsequent loss in productivity is $58 Billion per year just in Australia.  That's nearly $3000 for every person in the country and its on the rise, these were 2008 figures, new figures will be released very soon. associated

The figures released by the Australian Bureau of Statistics in 2012 indicate that between 2001 and 2008 there have been rises across the board except for the age group of children up to 6 years old.  the proportion of females who were overweight or obese increased for all age groups, with the highest increases occurring in the 18-24, 25-34 and 35-44 year age groups (each up by seven percentage points).  That is 7% in 7 years, the most worrying trend has to be the 18-24 age group.  The bureau goes on to state that "While being overweight or obese is more prevalent in middle to late adulthood, Australia's increasing obesity is evident in the large numbers of younger people who are now overweight or obese. In 2007-08, 62% of males and 44% of females aged 25-34 years were overweight or obese."  This is up from 58% and 41% respectively in 2001.  

We have known for some time that obesity increases the risk or contributes directly to Heart Disease, Diabetes and Cancer, in fact, type 2 diabetes was actually re-named as it was previously known as 'adult onset diabetes', the number of children now 'contracting' the disease prompted the change.  

The impact obesity has on a young persons spine as it develops is enormous, poor postural habits are amplified, muscles develop incorrectly and joints are put under stress putting the child at higher risk of osteoarthritis and joint disorders.  If you feel your child needs help, don't hesitate and consult your health care professional as soon as possible to discuss changes you can make immediately to improve your families long term health. 

Emotional and Psychological effects of Obesity on children

Gae O'Neil Donnellan from Gae O'Neil Donnellan Kinesiology
(For more information, please email gaeond@gmail.com)

A challenge for parents today is to support our children to live happily with a generous uptake of nutrients and a balanced relationship with food. With the alarming rise of Type II diabetes and other childhood health concerns, is it time for us to tune in and recognize a poor diet that needs to be rectified, a child who needs support with a sugar addiction and how saying ‘no’ to junk food can sometimes be a great act of love?

We are all bombarded with advertising. Products offering us the sugar hit and processed “energy boosts” that create a need for the treat.

Sugar addiction and the need for hollow carbohydrate often comes from a deep seated emotional need, that of comfort and reinforcement of good behavior as children, leading to poor dietary habits as adults.

Poor health statistics in the adult population speak for themselves.

Kinesiology can help you make changes in your life, enhancing wellbeing and personal empowerment.

Your body is the best home you will ever live in

Look after it!

Jane Nguyen - Life Coach & Hypnotherapist from Live With Passion Coaching

(For more information please email: jane@livewithpassioncoaching.com.au)

Childhood obesity is more than just a physical problem.

Parents who indulge children with food often associate it as a form of caring and love, not fully understanding the psychological impact of obesity in children.

Children are often subject to teasing or peer pressure at school, obese children often suffer more of that. This can lead to periods of low self-esteem and body image. As these events happen, children tend to internalize this feedback as “I’m fat, I’m not good enough”.  These will eventually become core beliefs that affect everyday living and social interaction. As children get older, these beliefs form part of their identity in life such as “I’m fat, I’m not good enough for a job” or “I’m fat, I’m not good enough for a pay rise” or “I’m fat, I’m not good enough to be in a good relationship”, “I’m fat, I’m not good enough to be loved” etc. These beliefs of “I’m not good enough” often result in self–sabotaging behaviours in many areas of life including career, business, health, relationships etc. Not only that, long term child obesity can easily lead to depression and on-going psychological ‘pain’.

Child obesity can be prevented RIGHT NOW, starting with the parents. As parents, we need to be aware that there are many different forms of caring and loving, which does not include indulging your child with chocolate or junk food. As parents, we are responsible for educating our children about better eating habits and exercise while they are still young. The influence you have on your child throughout their childhood is enormous and will impact them for the rest of their life. We need to realize that we do have a choice - to raise our children to be healthy both emotionally and physically, or, to let them live their life with an identity of “I’m fat, I’m not good enough”. As children can only learn from example, it’s important for us as adults to live our life the way we want to teach our children too. Every change you wish to see from your children needs to start with you first.

Healthy tips from our Naturopath & Nutritionist - Sarah Jane Purnell

(For more tips and advice, email: health@sarahjanepurnell.com.au)

Finding a solution

I have many fantastic young clients who with their parents have come in to seek help with weight loss. Most have had great results and here is what those who have success have in common:

Make positive changes together as a family

Absolutely this is the number one key to success. Children adopt the attitudes of those closest to them. They need encouragement and support always. If we want healthy children then they must have a healthy family. Clear out the cupboards together, look at healthy recipes, teach kids how to cook, be active as a family and eat together as a rule.

Ditch the sugar

The most simple and effective dietary change is getting rid of excess sugar in the diet. Soft drinks, lollies, biscuits, fruit juice, cakes, fast food, milo, nutella... Sugar is addictive so it is important to be strict about this change. There are so many wonderful alternatives out there I promise once it’s gone you won’t miss it.

Focus on the positives

In the majority of cases I will not weigh kids under 14 years in my clinic for weight loss. Instead we focus on the positive factors changing with their health such as good food choices, increased energy levels, new cooking skills or feeling happier and more confident. If we shift the focus away from the negative aspects of their weight to the positive outcomes of a healthier lifestyle then they are likely to adopt these healthy changes for life.

Seek support and accountability

Very often kids will resist being told what to do by their parents (sound familiar?) but they will listen to other adult role models such as a health practitioner. I make sure my child clients are accountable to their health goals and I meet with them regularly to make sure they are staying on track. It is also important to get a health professional on board if you feel like your child’s weight may be due to a particular health condition. I’ve had children on certain medications or with medical issues where weight gain can be inevitable. These cases require individualised attention so make sure to seek appropriate support.

     Let's look at the benefits of Exercise and Child Obesity

Gary King – Exercise Physiologist and Personal Trainer

 (For more information, please email: gdktherapy@gmail.com)

A well publicised issue that has been rising steadily for the past 2 decades is childhood obesity.  An issue with no immediate fix, no pill that you can take, no magic potion that will cure your child. 

There are two things that will get your child back to a healthy weight whilst reducing the risk of further health complications and that is TIME and PHYSICAL ACTIVITY.

Time is needed to be taken to discuss what is in food and how it affects our bodies, time is needed for regular play with friends and sports, and time is needed for the benefits to be seen.

In very simple terms we consume food so we have the energy to move, therefore if we don’t move our body stores the energy for later use as fat.  Regular physical activity promotes the body to use our energy stores and gradually with time body weight will be reduced.

There are numerous strategies to try and promote physical activity to children but no two children are the same, be persistent try different sports different activities and eventually they will find an activity they enjoy and will want to actively participate.  And remember you’re not just helping their health in the short term it will benefit them for the rest of their lives. 

Clare Suillivan - Myotherapist from Unwind Myotherapy

(For more information please email: clare@unwindmyotherapy.com.au)

Many of my clients may not know that I was a gymnastics and acrobatics coach for thirteen years.  I coached kids between the ages of three and fifteen, and I absolutely LOVED it.

Being involved in organised sport prepares kids for a balanced life in the real world.

•  It teaches them time management- if they have a test on a Wednesday morning and training on a Tuesday night, they learn to prepare ahead of time. 
• It teaches them to step out of their comfort zone and increases their self-confidence- whether it is by mastering a new skill, or competing in a competition even if they felt nervous.
• It teaches them to work in a team (regardless of whether the sport they are playing is a team one), and to work with others.
• It can be “their thing”- it gives them independence.  When I was training as a gymnast, I loved having my own thing that was separate from my family and my school friends.  My gym friends are still come of my closest friends today.
• It helps them to see how amazing their bodies are, and what they are capable of.  It teaches them to respect and care for their bodies.
• It teaches them commitment. 

I believe there’s a group or activity out there that suits every child.  When you find the right club for them, there will be no limit to the benefits they will experience.