Childhood Obesity is on the rise and 9&10’s Megan Huiskens spoke with Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan Registered Dietician Shanthi Appelo on how to incorporate healthy habits into your child’s day. About 14.7 million or 20% of children in the United States are obese.
Factors that contribute to obesity are:
- A diet high in ultra-processed foods (UPFs), including sweetened beverages
- Large portion sizes
- Dining out instead of home-cooked meals
- Lack of physical activity
- Increased screen time
- Limited sleep or lack of quality sleep
Appelo suggests adding healthy foods with age-appropriate portion sizes to your child’s plate. She also suggests making activities fun like a nature walk or going to the playground.