| Childhood Obesity - The Modern Health Dilemma | | | | the way of nutritional value. According to the |
| You see it on the playgrounds, at roller rinks, at | | | | American Obesity Association, one third of |
| swimming pools as well as in classrooms. Weight | | | | parents believe their children's dietary habits are |
| problems are a modern health and fitness issue | | | | worse than theirs were during their very own |
| for today's children, who will be struggling with | | | | childhoods. |
| weight like never before. This is a difficult issue to | | | | Another key problem is inactivity. Children watch |
| resist, given the fact that you want to make sure | | | | more than a full day's worth of television per |
| that your children are getting sufficient amounts | | | | week. That's in addition to the hours they devote |
| of vitamins and minerals in their diets. While some | | | | to their computers. Consequently, they're not |
| children may outgrow obesity, others carry it | | | | playing outside as much as children of generations |
| along into their adult lives. Weight problems in | | | | past. Also, many children may feel as if they can't |
| children can lead to feelings of fatigue, | | | | participate in sports because of their weight. |
| worthlessness, and hopelessness. It can also place | | | | Feeling conquered before they even start, they |
| them at higher risk for diabetes and | | | | avoid opportunities to engage in physical activities. |
| cardiovascular disease. | | | | It has been shown that children are usually heavily |
| Precisely how widespread is the problem? The | | | | influenced by advertising. Unfortunately, many |
| National Institutes of Health has identified that, | | | | commercials tout foods that can be best classified |
| over the last 30 years, the number of young | | | | as unhealthy. Children crave what they see on TV |
| people with weight problems has increased two | | | | and in movie theaters and so they may not |
| fold. Interestingly enough, the problem is | | | | realize what these foods do to their bodies. |
| influencing children of every age as well as children | | | | Luckily, childhood obesity can be effectively |
| from all ethnic groups. | | | | conquered. Here are a few guidelines to help your |
| Children that are overweight may not develop | | | | son or daughter conquer a weight problem:o |
| socially as fast as their peers. They can become | | | | Encourage your son or daughter to take part in |
| loners, finding hard to make friends. They may | | | | sports or dance. If your son or daughter is |
| believe how much they weigh is beyond their | | | | insecure about being a part of a team, exercise |
| control and they might not know what to do in | | | | with him or her. Take out a ball and shoot a few |
| order to make an effort to prevent weight gain. | | | | hoops or turn on the stereo and begin to dance. |
| In essence, obese children can become our lost | | | | You may very impressed that, with just a little |
| generation. | | | | encouragement, your child will get up and start |
| The parents of these children may well not realize | | | | moving.o Consider limiting Television time. |
| how negative obesity is to their children's | | | | Research clearly shows that TV time is |
| emotional well-being. They may find the obesity | | | | unproductive period for children and teens. If your |
| just a passing phase and they may not | | | | children spend less time watching TV, they may |
| comprehend the psychological devastation that | | | | invest more time exercising.o Ban junk food from |
| obesity can cause. They will often even write off | | | | your home. With a little push, children will become |
| the concerns of their children, wishing that the | | | | familiar with maintaining a healthy diet snacks such |
| problem will simply disappear. | | | | as vegetables and fruits.o Check with your child's |
| The causes of childhood obesity can be complex. | | | | pediatrician to determine if he or she can |
| However, there do appear to be a few identifiable | | | | recommend some specific weight control |
| triggers. For example, many households now eat | | | | strategies. |
| on the run as a result of their many obligations. | | | | Childhood obesity is a problem, but it is not |
| Parents may not think they have time to prepare | | | | insurmountable. The greater the interest you |
| nourishing meals for their children, so they rely on | | | | show in your child's diet and exercise regimen, the |
| junk food and sugary snacks to fill in the gaps. | | | | more influence you will have over your child. In |
| Consequently, children end up eating a diet that's | | | | time, your child can learn the strategies required |
| rich in body fat and sugar but which offers little in | | | | for a wholesome life. |