Childhood Obesity Research: a Grim Glimpse into Our Future?

Happy meals, candy bar machines at schools, and soda pop with dinner. These are some of the reasons why childhood obesity is becoming such a problem. Childhood obesity research shows that in the past 30 years, obesity has doubled amongst preschoolers and adolescents and has tripled amongst the age 6-11 group. The nagging question is, “Where do we go from here?” Who is to blame, what is being done about it and what can we do as parents to keep this problem from getting worse?

The Effects of Childhood Obesity Research and Statistics on Governmental Programs

The childhood obesity research field is so important because direct scientists on how effective obesity treatment and prevention programs can be crafted for children. Every obesity research study out there about children has pointed to the huge influence school has. Children spend most of their time at school so government programs are aimed at changing school lunches, P.E. programs, etc. Some states do not allow vending machines in schools to sell soda or junk food while some only allow these items to be sold at certain times of the day. In some schools, french fries are being baked instead of fried because it is healthier.

According to childhood obesity research, an improvement in school lunch offerings and vending machine snacks is not the only step necessary in combating childhood obesity. The so-called “electronic age” takes a lot of blame for the childhood obesity problem. Kids spend so much of their time surfing the internet, playing video games, and watching television. Some state governments are improving the physical education programs in public schools so that students are encouraged to lead more active lifestyles.

Where Parents Stand

Childhood obesity research shows that parents play a very prominent role in preventing obesity. They have to teach their children how to eat right and encourage them to be active by playing sports. The whole family needs to be involved in order for the child to be influenced to lead a healthier, more active lifestyle.

Eating a healthy breakfast is important, according to childhood obesity research. If children eat a nutritious, filling breakfast in the morning before school, they are less likely to seek unhealthy snacks for energy later in the day. In order to encourage physical activity, families should be active together by playing sports, going on walks, or riding bicycles. Childhood obesity research shows that children are more enthusiastic about physical activity if it is fun. Adults may be okay with running on a treadmill or lifting weights but for children those activities are monotonous and boring so keep that in mind.

Childhood obesity research is alarming but it doesn’t have to be a sign of impending doom. As a society we can turn these statistics around by being model examples for the younger generation. We can encourage our children to eat better and live more active lifestyles by joining them in doing so. Together, both children and adults will one day be able to call childhood obesity a problem of the past.

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