'1 in 4 kids in Ireland are overweight or obese': How to help YOUR child make healthy choices

New research into the cost of childhood overweight and obesity on the island of Ireland by safefood has estimated the total lifetime cost to be €7.2billion euros (€4.6 billion in the Republic Of Ireland; £2.1 billion in Northern Ireland).

 

The study, led by University College Cork (UCC) and involving leading academic institutions and multidisciplinary research on the island, also found that 21% of total costs in the Republic of Ireland represented direct healthcare costs i.e. hospital in-patient; out-patient; GP and drug costs.

Sadly, however, the significant financial cost of obesity is not the only issue at stake here.  

 

"As well as financial costs, the research emphasises the human impact of childhood obesity and overweight," research partner Prof Kevin Balanda, Institute of Public Health in Ireland, explained.

 

"In particular, it estimated that over 85,000 children on the island will die prematurely because of childhood obesity and overweight."

 

In a bid to help tackle this growing crisis, safefood is encouraging mums and dads to make just ONE change in order to help their kids enjoy a healthier lifestyle.

 

And changing couldn't be easier, thanks to these tips from safefood:

1. Decide on one thing to change

Don’t try and change too many things together. Just choose one thing so it isn’t too big a change for everyone. For example:

• Changing from sugary breakfast cereal to wholemeal breakfast cereal on weekdays
• Drinking water with dinner instead of sugary drinks

2. Prepare the child for change

Explain the change you are making, why you are making it the change and its benefits. Children respond better when they know what is happening.

3. Explain the rules

Decide on one or two simple rules to guide your children through the change. 

Example:

• "We are going to have a healthy snack after school"
• "We are going to sit at the table together to eat breakfast every morning"
• "We are going to turn off the TV one hour before bed"

4. Motivate with reward

Using a reward can help to motivate your child to follow the rules. You could reward them with special activities or a star chart for younger ones. Avoid using food or screen time as a reward.

5. Lead by example

Children learn from the adults in their lives. Lead by example and encourage your children to do the same. Actions speak louder than words.

6. Take your time

Be consistent and be patient. It takes time to build new healthy habits. If you have a bad day, start again with the healthy habit the following day. Life can be tough and you’ll find the bad days will become fewer as you all take on the new routine.