Child Obesity
It
CAN be helped.
Child
Obesity is a MAJOR problem in many places in the world.In
the U.S., it is estimated that 18% of all children are considered obese.
Check
out the CDC's U.S. Obesity Trends 1985–2005
In
Canada, it is estimated that 10 to 25% of all teenagers have weight
problems.
Even in Zambia and Morocco, between 15 and 20
percent of 4-year-olds are obese.
According to the World
Health Organization
Around 30% of UK children are now considered to be overweight or obese. The
Mayo Clinic Says: The
incidence of
childhood obesity is rapidly rising throughout the world. The obesity
epidemic is especially evident in industrialized nations where many
people live sedentary lives and eat more convenience foods, which are
typically high in calories and low in nutritional value. In just two
decades, the prevalence of overweight doubled for U.S. children ages 6
to 11 — and tripled for American teenagers. The annual National Health
and Nutrition Examination Survey by the Centers for Disease Control and
Prevention found that about one-third of U.S. children are overweight
or at risk of becoming overweight. In total, about 25 million U.S.
children and adolescents are overweight or nearly overweight. The
statistics vary slightly depending on whose
research you are looking at. Obesity is generally
defined as "having too much body fat"Which is
slightly different than just being over weight.
Many authorities point to a number of factors that lead to these
astounding increases over the last 20 - 30 years, but they all boil
down to
a lack of the development of the 7
habits proscribed throughout this
site. Very few children are obese due to medical
issues or genetics. Children today, exercise less,
eat more unhealthy foods, and consume
large quantities of sugar laden drinks compared to previous
generations. My Generation, was the beginning of
these trends towards increasing child obesity. We
learned poor eating habits, had an
ever growing availability of mass
produced high fat foods with minimal nutrition, and made Coca-Cola and
PepsiCo so wealthy that everyone felt they needed to jump on the
bandwagon. The Surgeon General's Call To Action To
Prevent and Decrease Overweight
and Obesity
Gives a great description of the
problem of child obesity.
Including risk factors for heart disease, Type 2 diabetes, an increased
chance of adult obesity, and poor self-esteem/depression. Major
causes include sedentary lifestyles that include too much TV,
computer and video games. How Do I know if my Child
is Obese?
Well, if you calculate their Body
Mass Index
(BMI), and it shows serious chance
of child obesity, talk to your pediatrician and have them
assess whether your child is of a healthy weight. How
Can I help with Child Obesity?- Show them
you love
them and appreciate them regardless of their size.
They need help, encouragement and support from you. They will get
plenty of negative feedback from the rest of society.
- Focus
on their health and what's good about them.
- Change
your FAMILY's eating habits and start more energetic activities.
- Be
a good role model and set an example by eating properly and doing
more physical activities.
- Turn Off the
TV… The Henry Kaiser Family Foundation has a great paper
on The Role of Media in Childhood Obesity.
- Help
them maintain their current weight, as they grow in height to
bring them into the 'norm'
- DO NOT put
them on a Fad diet!
- Get them to Drink water instead
of Soda or Juice.
- Have healthy snacks in the house.
- Empty
the cupboard and refrigerator of all the Heavily Processed foods
that are high in fat, calories, and sugars.
- Get
them to eat Breakfast.
- Cut down on Fast Food, and
increase the amount of Home Cooked/Prepared
meals.
- Discuss their weight management with their
Physician, and keep him/her
involved.
What are the Health Effects of
Child Obesity(Provided by UC
San Francisco Medical
Center) - Asthma
- Diabetes
- Gallstones
- Heart
Disease
- High Blood Pressure
- High
Choleterol
- Lipid Problems
- Liver
Problems
- Menstrual Problems
- Osteoporosis
- Trouble
Sleeping
The University of Michigan Health Systems Agrees on Child Obesity
Your Child : Obesity and Overweight
 
The
information found in and throughout The 7 Habits of Weight loss
(www.7habitsofweightloss.com) is not intended as a substitute for the
advice or treatment that may have been prescribed by your physician.Information
found here should NOT be construed as definitive or binding medical
advice and is NOT intended to diagnose, prescribe, nor endorse any
brand of products or services. Always seek the advice of your physician
or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new weight loss or exercise regimen or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
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