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As per a recent study, poor quality of sleep in a child can affect his eating habits and weight. Over time, this can also lead to childhood obesity, which can further put them at a greater risk of developing obesity-related cancers in adulthood. As per the study, shorter sleep duration, measured in hours, was associated with a higher BMI z-score (body mass index adjusted for age and sex). Each extra hour of sleep was associated with 0.13 reduction in BMI z-score and reduction in waist circumference of 1.29 cm.

Statistics indicate that India has the second highest number of obese children in the world after China. About 14.4 million kids in the country have excess weight. Globally, over two billion children and adults suffer from health problems related to being overweight or obese, and an increasing percentage of people die from these health conditions.

Here are some tips that parents can follow.

• Encourage healthy eating habits from young age.
• Try making favourite dishes healthier.
• Avoid tempting children with calorie-rich food. It is okay to treat them but in moderation.
• Make kids understand the importance of being physically active.
• Indulge in at least 60 minutes of moderate to intense physical activity every day.
• Reduce sedentary time. While reading is a good option, too much of screen time is not. Make regular sleep time and good sleep a priority.
• Replace screen time with the outdoors and fun activities to keep children engaged.

— Courtesy Indian Medical Association