Since rate of weight gain, or how quickly children gain weight over time, is now shown to be a strong predictor of developing CVD risk factors, the study authors suggest that parents help children achieve and maintain a healthy weight. What parents can do is instill healthy eating habits and regular physical activity into our children's lives. Parents can make sure that fruits, vegetables, and whole grains play a prominent role in meals and snacks. Cookies, candies, chips, and sugary cereals can be eaten occasionally, but should not be consumed daily. We can also teach our children to use food to satisfy hunger, and not for emotional reasons such as anger, boredom, or pain.
Parents are role models for eating and exercise habits.
If our children see us having fun moving our bodies, then they will want to join in. It's clear from the 20-year study of children in Minneapolis that waiting until we develop CVD risk factors may be too late. The sooner we start building healthy eating and exercise habits, the less we have to worry about developing heart disease. Sources Relation of weight and rate of increase in weight during childhood and adolescence to body size, blood pressure, fasting insulin, and lipids in young adults, Sinaiko, A. et al. All rights reserved.