Are We A Fat Nation? Childhood Obesity Facts

By: Molten Marketing

Childhood obesity is on the rise, and Americans know it better than anyone else. In fact, it is estimated that there are roughly millions of children currently considered overweight or obese. The question then becomes what exactly is the cause, and how are we, as a nation, to fix it?

Perhaps the most obvious step is to realize that children need to consume far fewer calories than they do. While it is true that they need more calories than adults in some cases to promote continued healthy physical and mental development, children do not need to get those extra calories from fast food and junk food. Additionally, they do need to burn off some of their caloric consumption through exercise, just as adults do.

As for the exercising component, childhood obesity is likely such a problem because of lifestyles that are more conducive to sitting around than running around. Computers and video games are not necessarily the culprit, but they certainly contribute to the sedentary nature of today's youth. When mindless junk food munching is combined with a tendency to lounge in front of the television or computer, those excess pounds pile on, and childhood obesity becomes a way of life.

Parents need to take control of their children's weight by realizing that the adults are the ones in charge. Offering your children only healthy foods eliminates the possibility of them gorging on junk food. By only stocking up on healthy meals and snacks, parents can see a benefit for the whole family, and also decrease the chances that childhood obesity will reach their homes.

If nothing else, understand that childhood obesity causes a number of other problems, physically and emotionally. Diseases once mostly seen in adults, like high blood pressure, diabetes, and the like, are now much more prevalent in children. This is directly linked to childhood obesity, in that the excess weight causes such strain on the body. Likewise, emotional trauma is endured by the teasing from the non-obese peers of overweight children. This can have lasting effects.

In the end, childhood obesity is a real problem facing this nation. Unlike many other problems, though, this is one that can be overcome. Parents, understand the potential risks of childhood obesity, and put an end to it now with healthy food choices and increased physical activity. Be effective role models for your children, and childhood obesity can become a thing of the past for your family.

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