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Childhood Obesity

Obesity is on the rise once again, only now it is affecting more children
than ever before. Statistics show that over 60 million Americans are obese,
but now we should add in the number of children who are living with obesity.
This is not only traumatic but is also becoming an epidemic, with countries
all around the world having higher numbers of obese children.

What is the cause of childhood obesity? Like with adults, the availability of
junk food and fast food is generally the number one cause of obesity. The
number two cause is that we live in a "lazy" day and age. Many people know
they should exercise but they don't, this leads to the children doing the
same thing. Many parents find it to normal that their children do not wish
to be active, when in fact it is not normal nor is it healthy.

Children need to spend time outside running, riding bikes, swimming, and
having fun in general. With the ever advancing technology, children want to
stay inside and watch television, play video games, and sit at the computer.
This is not a healthy way for children to live.

Many children watch what their parents do and they will follow in the parents'
foot steps. Although heredity does play a role in how a child will be, there
are ways to keep your child from being overweight. Some parents find it to
be normal when a child wants to eat all the time, this is not normal and
should be brought to a screeching halt immediately.

Children need to eat to get the nutrition their bodies need, but too much
food and a high calorie intake will take its toll on a child just as it will
on an adult.

Families should spend time together and parents should watch what their
children are eating. Not only at home, but while they are away at school,
or at a friends house. Teaching your child good eating habits at a young
age will help them know what is good for their bodies and what is not, and
how much is good for them at one time.

The more overweight a person is the more health risks they will have. Being
extremely overweight will bring the risk of type 2 diabetes, liver disease,
heart disease, and high blood pressure that can lead to more health problems
later in life. The immune system of a child is not fully developed, and the
more weight a child gains the more health problems they will see in their
lifetime.

Teaching good eating habits now will help your child teach their children
later in life. We can make a difference one child at a time. Help your
children and their future children live healthy lives. Teach them right
from wrong, especially when it comes to food.