How to Prevent Childhood Obesity: Tips for Parents.

More than half of the world's population is overweight or will be overweight or obese

By 2035, more than 4 billion people (51% of the world's population) are expected to be overweight or obese. Children with obesity could double, warns the Ministry of Health. Childhood obesity poses risks for future health. Adults, such as parents, guardians, doctors, and teachers, must help children maintain a healthy weight. This can be achieved by creating healthy eating habits, ensuring sufficient physical activity, balanced sleep, and limiting "screen time," the Ministry of Health reports.

Creating Healthy Eating Habits

• Consume a sufficient amount of vegetables, fruits, and whole grains.
• Choose lower-fat (but not fat-free) milk or dairy products.
• Consume lean meat, poultry, fish, lentils, and beans.
• Drink adequate water throughout the day and limit the intake of sugary drinks.
• Reduce the consumption of sugar and saturated fats.

Ensuring Complete Sleep

• Infants (4-12 months) need to sleep 12-16 hours per day.
• Toddlers (1-2 years) need to sleep 11-14 hours.
• Preschoolers (3-5 years) need to sleep 10-13 hours.
• School-aged children (6-12 years) need to sleep 9-12 hours.
• Teens (13-18 years) need to sleep 8-10 hours.
• Adults (18-60 years) need to sleep at least 7 hours.

It's also important to maintain sleep hygiene by avoiding gadget use in bed, and by creating a dark room with optimal temperature and humidity at least 30 minutes before sleep.

Ensuring Sufficient Physical Activity

According to the World Health Organization's recommendations, adults should engage in moderate to intense aerobic activity for 150-300 minutes a week, and children and teens for 60 minutes a day. It is also worth limiting the time children spend in front of the TV or with a smartphone.

Ministry of Health: "Remember, children emulate adults. Be a model for your children to give them a chance for a healthy future."

Ministry of Health's Tips for Increased Health

The Ministry of Health has provided dietary tips to reduce the risk of developing diabetes. Additionally, the Public Health Center shared information on proper handwashing with soap and gave five tips for healthy sleep.