How to avoid obesity

Not all overweight toddlers grow up to become obese adults. There are many things that can keep you a healthy, fit young person.

Food. Eat the right amount of the right stuff, and don't snack when sitting around. There are many topics in the 'Your food' section of this web site which can help you - but you can't do it alone. Get mum, dad or whoever cares for you to help you. Maybe you could plan a week's menu and then go food shopping together.
Exercise. Look for ways to do more exercise. Our topics on exercise and fitness have lots of good ideas.
Get a good night's sleep. Don't stay up late playing video games or watching TV. Get up early and keep busy all day so that you are ready to sleep at night.
Get involved. Join in things at school or after school, so that you have an interest and can spend more time with other kids having fun.
Be determined to change and make the most of yourself. You only get one body so try to look after it and feel good about it. Our topics on Self-esteem and Body image may be helpful.
Being happy. Everybody has bad days, and often this means going for the comfort food (mine is dark chocolate!) However, if you are having one of those days, it is much healthier, and you feel much better afterwards, if you do some exercise. Run, walk, dance, skip, hit a ball or do anything else you can think of for a while, and those feel-good chemicals will start coming into your brain, making you feel that life's OK after all!

Helping your friend

If your friend has a problem with obesity, then you can be a good friend by:

eating good stuff yourself and encouraging her to do the same
eating healthy foods

	playing with her in an active way
	getting her to join in sports lessons by encouragement
	helping her to practise sports skills
	doing something active together after school, like walking the dog or bike riding, rather than watching TV or playing video games
	telling the teacher if your friend is being teased or called unkind names - this is harassment and a type of bullying that no one should have to suffer
	commenting on the things that she is good at. ARTICLES SOURCE: http://www.cyh.com