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Canadian kids are getting fatter.

With lack of exercise and bad eating choices, today's kids are fatter than they have ever been.

Donald Juzwishin, CEO of the Health Council of Canada based in Toronto, said childhood obesity can lead to many types of physical and psychological problems now and later in life.

Juzwishin said if you've ever struggled with your weight as an adult you can imagine the impact weight issues can have on a child or teen.

The following are tips to help keep your kids active and encourage healthy eating, courtesy of Juzwishin.

• Get kids outside. It is recommended that children get at least 30 minutes of physical activity per day.

• Limit the amount of television, computers or video games to two hours a day and replace the extra hours with another activity.

• Sleep is important. Keep a consistent bedtime so children can get the rest they need to be active.

• Have fruits and vegetables out, visible and around the house so they are accessible and kids are inspired to snack on those foods rather than junk food.

• Avoid giving your kids diet drinks and foods. Research shows that diet foods actually trick the body into overeating because the body is not getting what it needs.

• Eat as a family. Family mealtimes develop healthy habits and is an opportunity for being supportive in making wise food choices.

• Have your child help to make their lunch and prepare dinner. Children are more likely to eat what they've helped prepare.

• Pass on 'juice' labelled as cocktails. Cocktails (cranberry, grapefruit) often add useless calories and are full of sugar. Cut down on real juice as well as it's full of sugar.

• Read labels on the foods you buy and make healthy purchases.

• It's never too late or too early to talk to a health professional if you have questions or concerns about your child's weight. A three-year-old who is overweight will have a 25 per cent chance of increased risk of adult obesity. Tackle the problem earlier to prevent problems later.

• Parents must be encouraging and never put overweight children down. The positive approach is always best. Negativity feeds the problem.

• There are no short cuts. Exercise, healthy foods and habits are the only way to be healthy and not gain unnecessary weight.

• It is estimated that in 2004, about 8,000 deaths were attributed to obesity in people 25 and older. If you help your kids get fit and healthy, they can avoid being one of those statistics and reduce mortality rates in Canada.

 

Click here to download a copy of Canada's Food Guide.