Childhood Obesity: A Growing Epidemic

Definition of Childhood Obesity

The definition of childhood obesity is weight above the normal for height and age. Childhood obesity is becoming the biggest epidemic for kids and teens in the world. Approximately 25 million children between the ages of 2-19 in the United States are at risk of becoming overweight or are overweight. Obesity rates have soared among all age groups in the last four decades, increasing more than four times among children ages 6 to 11.

Hectic schedules mean home-cooked family meals are often skipped and replaced with less nutritious grab-and-go foods eaten on the run. Families eat out at restaurants more often, too, where portion sizes have ballooned, providing too many calories and too much fat. Poor eating habits, especially consumption of high calorie snacks can cause obesity in children. Some research also shows that extensive viewing of television, video games and computer use are additional factors.

Obesity in children is an epidemic that can lead to problems later on in life such as diabetes, heart disease and renal failure. Overweight children who have insulin resistance have an increased incidence of developing type 2 diabetes. In addition, psychological disorders such as depression occur with increased frequency in obese children.

Obesity in children must be addressed and studies show that tackling this problem early on can prevent the serious problems associated with it. Overweight children need the support of their families and communities. Health newsletters, walking contests, marathons, healthy food option, community-based programs on health and weight loss can all contribute to a healthier lifestyle for kids.

Lots of Physical Activity

Kids are naturally active and get great exercise even on their own. They are suppose to spend 8 hours a day running around outside. Then the adults command them indoors, sit them down for most of the day, give them a pile of homework and make them watch TV for the rest of the day. Perhaps parents can spend time doing recreational activities at home or at the park, instead. Most of all, parents should be role models to their children to help create in their young minds a mental model of a good health.

Kids do not walk to school because of fear that something untoward, unpredictable, and dangerous will occur to them. Encouraging them to walk or ride their bikes to school accompanied an adult. You can demonstrate the importance of physical activity by walking or biking with your child.

Introduce Healthier Eating

Americans eat more snacks, eat on the run, and eat larger portions. The first step in prevention and-or treatment is to help children change their eating behaviors and live healthier lifestyles.

Children should be allowed to select what they want to eat among healthy food choices; they should be allowed to stop eating when they feel full. An underweight, overweight, or normal weight child should be allowed to decide how much to eat or whether to eat at all, within reason. Children and adolescents who frequent fast foods consume more calories, unhealthy fats, sugars and carbohydrates. Many studies have established the dangers of fast food items to childrens health. Cut back or stop going to fast food places

If parents find that they cannot help their children lose weight with a nutritious eating plan and physical activity, it may be time to consult a doctor. Overweight children should not be put on a diet unless a physician supervises one for medical reasons. A restrictive diet may not supply the energy and nutrients needed for normal growth and development.

Having our children lead a healthy life can be made easier by implementing certain steps at the community level. You can promote walking contests in your neighborhood or write to your councilman about healthy food options in schools and day care centers. Little things here and there can slowly contribute to a healthier lifestyle for kids.

Prevention is therefore, key in preparing our children for a healthy adolescence and adulthood. Environment, behavior and genetics all play a role in childhood obesity; the most important thing is to focus on changing those things we can control, like behavior. That is right – the old diet and exercise advice.

Rochester Athletic Club, Rochester Health Club and Rochester Personal Training dedicate their services to fitness and health.

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