Childhood Obesity, What Can We Do About It?

Some say childhood obesity is the greatest health threat in our society today. The evidence is clear that an obese child is more likely to become an obese adult. With that comes the health risks such as heart disease, stroke, high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes so on and so forth.

So how did we get into this situation?

• Increase in sedentary activities such as watching TV, playing video games, surfing the web
  
  
• Decrease in outside play
  
  
• Increase in unhealthy snacks

The above list contributes to higher caloric intake and lower caloric expenditure which in turn increases the risk of childhood obesity. BUT, IS IT THE CHILD'S RESPONSIBILITY OR IS IT THE PARENT'S?

What are the parents responsible for?

• Your own activity levels. If your child sees you exercising they will be more interested in exercise and potentially do it themselves
  
  
• Planning healthy well balanced meals. If you are reading this post you have access to knowing what is healthy and what isn't
  
  
• Knowing what types of foods your children are snacking on. Many suggest not totally cutting out sweet snacks but using them in moderation
  
  
• Limiting the amount of TV, video game playing
  
  
• Encouraging active family outings such as hiking, biking, playing ball etc.
  
  
• Being a good role model. If you are active and eat health, so will your children
  

So in conclusion, childhood obesity is a major concern for our country. With the increases in health care costs and the alarming increased rate of obesity in adults as well as children, there is no time to spare. Preventative measures must be taken to improve the overall health of Americans. We all have a part to play in this process and speaking as a fitness professional, I will do what ever I can to help improve the health of our great nation.

Here are a few links to educate you about obesity in children:

http://children.webmd.com/obesity-children

http://www.emedicinehealth.com/obesity_in_children/article_em.htm#Obesity%20in%20Children%20Overview

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