Obesity in Children
Obesity has long been a problem among many Americans. This
disease can damage many aspects of a person's life. It can cause
many more physical problems including heart disease and
diabetes. It can also cause sufferers emotional strain and a
negative self image. In recent years, Americans have been
watching their children struggle with the same problems. And
they aren't the only ones. Problems with childhood obesity are
being dealt with in many areas of the world.
According to the Centers for Disease control and prevention,
sixteen percent of American children between the ages of six and
nineteen are overweight or obese. That adds up to over nine
million children who struggle with the many challenges of
dealing with obesity.
While the number of American children struggling with obesity is
overwhelming, the really staggering aspect of it is how this
number is increasing. The number of children who are overweight
or obese has refused to decrease or even stay constant. It rises
at a downright scary level every year.
Children who are overweight as children are very likely to stay
overweight as adults. This means dealing with the same problems
for their whole lives. This is all the more reason for adults to
take a stand and do something about our children's health. But
first, we must understand why are children are having so many
problems with obesity.
There are many reasons that a child may struggle with their
weight. The first reason is diet. So many times, adults let
children eat what they want. Their young, they should enjoy
their lives, they say. But children are more likely to enjoy
their lives when they are healthy with restrictions than when
they are unhealthy and may do what they want.
It is sometimes hard to decide what foods are good for children.
There are many prevailing theories, but a good guideline to
follow is to simply think sensible. Low sugar, low fat, whole
grains, fruits, vegetables, and lean meats are usually good
ideas. However, we all know that most children aren't going to
like that spinach you deem healthy, so you may have to be a
little creative when it comes to supper recipes. If you would
like a little help coming up with nutritious and healthy meals,
there are many sites online that you can visit.
If you need more help, you may think about contacting a
professional nutritionist. He or she will be able to help you in
constructing a practical diet plan tailored to your child's
specific needs.
Of course, poor diet is not the only reason that so many
children are struggling with their weight. Lack of exercise is
another reason. Television and video games are often
self-consuming, even to many adults. So the time spent with
these activities should be monitored and limited to make way for
physical activities.
Genetics and environment also play a role in the causation for
childhood obesity. People all want their children to be healthy,
but sometimes they are simply born with the lower hand. Many
factors can't be helped. However, one way to curb weight
problems in children is to set a good example for them. Don't
eat what they can't, and don't watch TV more than they can. Be
good to your body, and they are more likely to be good to
theirs.