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Food Addiction One of the Childhood Obesity Causes
1. There are many childhood obesity causes that are a
problem now. One cause that is often not addressed or
even thought of is food addiction. While not as socially
unacceptable as drug or alcohol addiction, food addiction
is just as dangerous and should be given the proper
attention.
2. It may be more socially accepted, but it is also more
common than any other form of addiction. That's
because bad food is more easily accessible and
unfortunately bad food - foods not "good for us", can
affect our brains in a most unhealthy way. Endorphins
cause the body to get a "high" feeling which causes
them to crave more bad foods.
3. The more "bad food" consumed, makes it harder for the
body to feel satisfied. To maintain this "high" feeling, it
wants more and more. So, where once it used to be OK for
a child to eat one cheeseburger, now they want more.
Obviously, eating more leads to weight gain.
4. Kids don't realize that the junk food is affecting their
minds as well as their bodies. Mentally, they no longer feel
content or happy unless they can eat the bad foods they
love. This is food addiction and it very quickly leads to
childhood obesity.
5. It is dangerous for kids to be addicted to food. Food
becomes like an idol to them and they'll do anything they
can to get it. Food can even act as security or comfort for
kids. Once they depend on food like this, they are no
longer in control of their lives. Bad eating habits have
become more important than almost anything in life.
6. In order for kids to break this addiction cycle, parents
must step in. The parents should examine their kids' lives
to determine whether or not they fit into this category.
Don't just assume that if your child isn't overweight that
they're fine. Many kids look perfectly healthy but suffer
from food addiction.
7. If you're not sure, there are a few signs to look for. Your
child may be addicted to food if they sneak food when
you're not looking, if they throw tantrums because they
don't get to eat what they want, or if they eat more when
they are in a sad mood.
8. There are many different causes for food addiction. It is
the responsibility of a parent to determine those causes
and reverse them. Changing the child's addiction is all
about retraining their brain. Their brains must learn to
love healthy foods and not feel that they always need the
bad foods.
9. It is best to start slowly changing your child's diet so that
they eat more fruits and vegetables and less fattening
foods. The gradual change will be easier if the whole
family eats healthy and will therefore not be such a shock
for the child. Always talk to the child encouragingly, ask
questions and let them know your plans.
10. While there are numerous childhood obesity causes, food
addiction is not one to be overlooked. Parents must
address this issue with their kids and strive to defeat the
problem together.