Childhood Obesity Epidemic

Lack of physical activity and unhealthy diets – these are the main causes of today’s childhood obesity epidemic. Yes, childhood obesity has become an epidemic, especially in the United States where the number of obese or overweight children has doubled in the last few decades. No matter what the gender or race, children and adolescents are the most common victims of obesity. Although it is true that genetics plays a relevant role in the occurrence of obesity in children and adolescents, there is no denying that our modern, technology-driven lifestyle is a great contributor. Many of today’s children and adolescents do not have the time, or the interest, in getting into physical activities like basketball or badminton. These children seldom have time to go out and play in the playground or in the field. Inactivity is the name of their game.

The childhood obesity epidemic is also a result of poor nutritional values. Parents should encourage their children to eat nutritiously. Children must not be fed junk food like fries, potato chips, soda or soft drinks. At an early age, they must be trained to eat the right kind of food like vegetable and fruits.

Avoiding unhealthy food and engaging in physical activities or sports will help parents prevent the onset of childhood obesity. It is also important for parents to make their children feel special and loved.

If childhood obesity is not prevented, it can lead to a variety of illnesses like type II diabetes (or adult onset diabetes), heart diseases, sleeping problems, stroke, and high blood pressure, among others. Childhood obesity can also pull down a child’s self-esteem so that he is not able to develop self-confidence. If this happens, the tendency is for him to be bullied in school, and this is something that no parent would want to happen to their children.

For the childhood obesity epidemic to stop, parents and their children need to work hand-in-hand. Parents should never stop encouraging their children to change their present lifestyle into one that is highly active and healthy,

If you are one of those parents who are deeply worried about the childhood obesity epidemic, consult with your family doctor and have your children’s weight, or Body Mass Index (BMI), checked. Do this regularly so that you will be better able to monitor your children’s weight movements and therefore know what needs to be done in order to prevent obesity. Causes of Childhood Obesity