Child obesity increases

As most everyone knows, childhood obesity is on the rise in America. It is estimated that tens of millions of children are overweight or obese. What is the cause of this so-called epidemic? And how can parents and the medical community to take control to reduce the incidence of childhood obesity?

First, it is important to note that children, like adults, need to burn the calories they consume. Of course, the children who continue to grow, need a little more calorie-wise, in order to maintain good growth. However, they do not need these calories from fast food and candy, but nutritious choices have fallen by the wayside in our on-the-go culture.

Couple rising junk food consumption with a more sedentary lifestyle, supported by the continuing emergence of a new computer and video games, and there is an increase in childhood obesity. Like adults, children need to burn calories. So, if a child eats two thousand calories a day of junk food, and then never even break a sweat playing in the yard, it is not surprising that childhood obesity is a problem.

There are some steps that parents can take to help ward off excess pounds. Making nutritious choices for your children, left to themselves, it is unlikely that children will choose fruits, vegetables and whole grains on sugar and fat. Childhood obesity is a problem for anyone who does not insist that the whole family eats well-rounded meal.

If nothing else, understand that childhood obesity leads to a number of other problems, physically and emotionally. Once most of the diseases in adults, such as high blood pressure, diabetes, etc., are now much more common among children. This is directly related to childhood obesity, in the sense that the causes of such excess weight on the body. Likewise, the emotional trauma is endured by the teasing of non-obese peers of overweight children. This can have lasting effects.

Overall, childhood obesity is a problem that faces millions of families. The good news is that it can be fought and defeated, starting at home. Only serve snacks and nutritious meals and encourage children to play and exercise. Maybe one of the best ways to begin the fight against obesity among children in the home is to set a good example for your children. In this way, the whole family can enjoy healthy bodies and healthy lives.