|
Have You Ever Though About What Causes of Obesity in Children and What Can Be Done About It?
by Jim Bruce
Obesity has become a national health concern, reaching almost epidemic proportions in our society today. Not only is this ailment affecting a large percentage of our adult population, it is also trickling down to affect our teens and children more than in any time in our history.
The current statistics show that one in every five kids is considered obese by national health standards. This figure has doubled within the past thirty years, and seems to be on a steady rise that will continue into the future if something isn't done to curb this problem.
When you consider that overweight or obese people are at a much higher risk for developing more serious health problems like high blood pressure, heart disease, arthritis and diabetes, it is easy to see why it is so important to understand the causes of obesity in our children. Perhaps by learning what causes obesity in children, parents and health care providers can go further in preventing and treating this condition before it becomes a bigger health risk.
What are the Root Causes of Obesity in Children?
The first cause of obesity in children is genetics. Unfortunately this is the one cause that cannot be completely prevented. If your parents are either overweight or obese, the chances go up that you will be prone to this condition as well. The question then becomes whether the increased risk of obesity comes from your actual genetic makeup or from the lifestyle that you learned from your parents throughout your childhood.
Either way, there are factors that can reduce your risk of becoming obese, even if your genes are working against you. First of all, develop good eating habits early in life, then stick with them into adulthood. This means selecting fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and low-fat dairy products in place of high fat and low nutrition choices such as processed and junk food. It also means eating only when you are hungry or at meal time, instead of snacking out of habit or boredom.
The second cause of obesity in children stems from having a sedentary lifestyle. Most children gain too much weight because they are taking in many more calories than they are burning. You can put this back in balance with exercise and a physical lifestyle. Make sure that you and your children are getting plenty of physical activity every day with your daily routine.
Unfortunately, outdoor play has to compete for our kids' attention span and the other activities they see as exciting. They have other choices like the television, computer and video games that seem more exciting to them. These activities are fine, but in moderation. Too much viewing TV or on the computer can lead to too little exercise. Make sure that you are limiting the amount of time that they are gaming and how much television they watch.
Spend more of time playing outdoors with your kids. You can take family on walks or bike rides. Organize a neighborhood basketball game, softball, or soccer. Keep your kids active as possible and for as long as possible each day. In this way, another cause of childhood obesity will fall by the wayside.
Obesity is a huge health problem in our society today. This goes for kids and teens as well as adults. The good news is that by understanding the causes of obesity in children today, you can go a long way in preventing this condition in the future.
| Disclaimer: |
The information in this Child Obesity section has been taken from a number of sources. It is meant to give you information about certain medicines, but it does not cover all of the possible uses, warnings, side effects, or interactions with other medicines and vitamin or herbal supplements.
This information should not be used as medical advice for individual medical problems. Please talk to your doctor, health professional, and/or your pharmacist for prescription or treatment instructions. |
More Articles On Child Obesity:
Child Obesity In America: A Rising Health Crisis
Obesity has been a significant health issue in the United States for several years. Almost all chronic adult health problems are compounded by obesity. Weight loss programs have become a way of life...
Child Obesity From Fast Food Consumption
Every day, one in three children (from age 4 to 19) eats fast food and junk foods. As a result, children are gaining extra pounds daily thus increasing their risk of obesity. Child obesity from fast...
The Difficulty Of Obesity In Children Versus in Adults
Obesity is alarming because it is growing rapidly and is now growing amongst our children as well. Obesity usually occurs due to overeating but also can be due to genetic factors, stress and other medical...
A Guide To Child Obesity Genetics And Prevention
Obesity is most commonly associated with overeating, however, that is not always the case, as with child obesity, genetics are yet another cause that is a prime factor. Statistics show that approximately...
Childhood Obesity One Of The Concerns For Our Future Generations
Childhood obesity has become an epidemic problem in the United States by some standards. It is on the increase as a concern to many health professionals and parents. There are many factors that can be...
Contact All The Facts |
Submit Your Feedback About Our Site
|
