10 Reasons Your Child is Gaining Weight

In America, one of every three people are overweight or obese. But what’s even more concerning is that this rate holds true for children as well as adults. So what’s making our children gain weight?

Like any health concern, there’s never one right answer. What’s true for one child may mean nothing for another. The consequences are the same, though, and obesity carries plenty of them.

Set your kids up for success. Clue them into the magic that their bodies are capable of, and teach them to listen to those bodies and care for them well. Then, you can more readily sniff out reasons they might be gaining weight. (Hint: Not all of them are bad!)

10 Reasons Your Child is Gaining Weight

1. They are sitting all day long.

School and homework can keep kids sitting for long periods of the day, even when recess is factored in. Check your kids’ routine to make sure they are getting exercise, especially when their hobbies are sedentary, as well.

2. They consume artificial sweeteners.

Don’t believe the “low sugar” labels – artificial sweeteners are a good way to build a bad habit. In spite of lower overall calories, they increase a preference for sweet treats and distract us from the overall impact of a processed food or drink.

3. It’s what they’re drinking.

Soda is an obvious concern, but don’t overlook juice. Even when it’s made of 100% fruit, juice lacks the fiber and whole-foods composition of the fruit, leaving it a sugary shell of its former self. One study found fruit juice can have a higher fructose-to-glucose ratio than even high fructose corn syrup. Juice is a treat at best, not a staple!

4. Their diets are full of processed foods.

Real foods are always, always best. Are they running out the door with a packaged or fast food breakfast, grabbing bagged snacks between meals? The more processed foods they eat, the higher the likelihood that they are consuming high sodium levels, trans fats, and the biggest concern of all: no fresh fruits and vegetables.

5. They’re missing nutrients.

Picky eaters especially fall prey to this, but even the most adventurous child can come up short in nutrients. Check their macronutrient balance first to make sure they aren’t imbalanced in carbs, (good) fats, or protein. Then, look closer at their range of fruits and vegetables for vitamins and minerals.

6. They’re surrounded by chemicals.

The plastic they eat and drink out of, the electronics they play on, the packaging around the food they eat –the cumulative effect of exposures to plasticizers like BPA is emerging as a major risk for obesity. In a recent study about long term exposures, obese adults were found with high levels of estrogenic residue in their bodies. Don’t let petrochemical toxins compound until adulthood. Start finding alternatives now and curb the damage.

7. They aren’t sleeping well.

With screen time, late homework and early rise times, chances are they aren’t sleeping well. A recent study proposes that less sleep creates poor eating habits, and poor sleep has long been linked with obesity.

8. They’re under stress.

They may not have bills or a family to take care of, but don’t underestimate the stress a child can feel. Bullying can especially have a strong, long-term impact on weight and other health issues. Listen to your child and help them sort through their sources of stress, giving them tools for a lifetime.

9. They’re just in a growth spurt.

Not all weight gain is an ominous sign. Your child could be going through an awkward stage of growth. Teaching good eating and lifestyle habits as a way to take care of your body is important – focusing on weight or appearance can create serious self-esteem issues and long-term problems.

10. It’s the unknown factor.

If you’ve looked into all possible causes and still can’t figure it out, it might be worth checking with your pediatrician for their perspective and advice. This could be a benign stage of growth, or there could be something more. Either way, having you as their ally will give your child a head start on whatever life will throw their way.