Using Diet and the Best Vitamins for Kids to Combat Childhood Obesity

Could the best vitamins for kids help solve the obesity crisis in the United States? Childhood obesity has become a problem of nearly epidemic proportions throughout the country. In fact, one out of three children is considered to be overweight or obese and the obesity rate has more than tripled in the last 50 years.

Two primary factors have contributed more to the obesity crisis than any others. First, children today are getting less exercise and playtime than previous generations. With the rise of video games, hand-held mobile devices, PCs, and cable TV, kids are spending more time in front of screens and far less time outside playing
The second factor is nutrition. With busy schedules, parents are less likely to be feeding their children home-cooked meals and are more often heading through the drive-thru line after work. With processed, high-fat, high-sodium food on the menu most nights, weight gain is nearly inevitable, particularly when it’s coupled with low amounts of physical activity.

A healthy diet and a regular exercise regime are essential for every child’s good health. This means meals rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean meat, and low-fat dairy. Highly processed, fried, or sugary foods should be avoided.

Of course, offering healthy meals and getting kids to eat them are two different things. Picky eaters can often be lacking in essential vitamins and nutrients. This is when it makes sense to supplement with one of the best vitamins for kids on the market. Children’s vitamins that contain a balanced formula of vitamins and minerals can actually help reduce fat and jump start weight loss while also filling in the nutritional gaps.

A study from 2010 showed that children’s vitamins combined with a healthy, well-balanced diet can stimulate a rise in basal metabolic rate (the rate at which the body burns calories when at rest). As well, specific vitamins within supplements have weight-loss effects. For example, a lack of vitamin D, which may be the most common deficiency in the United States, can contribute to weight gain. Thus, taking a multivitamin with vitamin D can be beneficial. As well, B vitamins and calcium can also help support healthy weight loss.

Of course, the best vitamins for kids are those that have natural flavor and aren't sweetened with high-fructose corn syrup. You will also want to choose a formula that is hypo-allergenic, gluten-free, or vegetarian if you have a child who is on a restricted diet due to health issues.

By combining a good diet and children’s vitamins, you can help promote a healthy lifestyle that will help prevent weight gain now and into the future.