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Fighting Obesity in Children Is A Battle We Must Win

Many families today are faced with the growing concern of childhood obesity. Obesity means having too much body fat. Obesity in children is not something to take lightly. Childhood obesity is said to be the most serious challenge to the public health facing Americans today. Obesity rates have doubled for those aged 2 to 5, to more than 10 percent, and for those 12 to 19, to more than 15 percent. The problem of childhood obesity in children is not limited to the United States -- it is now a problem for traditionally poor countries where recent prosperity has caused people to eat more and exercise less.

Health. If a weight-loss program is necessary, involve the whole family in healthy habits so your child doesn't feel singled out. Buying junk foods for the household will only act as a temptation and send the underlying message to children that it’s okay to consume unhealthy foods. Purchasing junk foods for the rest of the family will only be a temptation and tell the rest of the children that unhealthy foods are really okay. Fast food restaurants are not a healthy choice for children who are overweight. When children are overweight, fast food restaurants are the last place they should be eating. The National Academies' Institute of Medicine proposes healthier meals in schools and restaurants; more choices of physical education at school and in the community; less television advertising aimed at children; and education of health professionals and children to make better food choices.

Overweight.

Overweight occurs oftener in girls than in boys and in the 4-5 age group than in 2-3 year olds. Children and adolescents, who are overweight, are more likely to develop obesity as adults. Overweight parents – a family’s eating patterns can have a major influence on whether children maintain a healthy weight. Children are increasingly becoming afflicted with diseases that were previously confined mostly to adults, (Reported by The Enquirer - Cincinnati). So serious are overweight and obesity in children that more research is required into how well the various dietary intervention methods are followed and how successful they are. Although the majority of obese or overweight children have no medical complications, specific disorders can occur in the case of severe obesity and some subclinical disorders (hypertension, hypercholesterolemia, and hypertriglyceridemia, etc. Even though most obese or overweight children will not develop medical complications, cases of hypertension, hypercholesterolemia and hypertriglyceridemia have developed in the severely obese child. Although medical
complications do not occur in the majority of obese or overweight children, specific disorders (hypertension, hypercholesterolemia, hypertriglyceridemia and others) can occur in the severely obese child. Overweight children
should not be put on a weight reduction diet unless a physician has prescribed it for medical reasons. If your child has a medical condition that limits physical activity, be sure to talk to the doctor about safe activities for your child.

The prevention and management of obesity in children is a priority as there is a high risk of persistence into adulthood. g. asthma), the doctor will advise on suitable activities or prescribe medication to alleviate the problem. It is stated that by medical professionals that for the first time ever, the life span of today's youth is expected to be shorter than their parents. But, you can and need to control the amount of access children have to unhealthy foods, making sure to have an abundance of healthy foods and snacks for you and your kids to eat. Many medical professionals say
that for the first time ever, the life expectancy of today's youth could be shorter than their parents. .

Article Source: http://www.envispire.com

Don M, a licensed pharmacist for 40 years, with a special interest in health and nutrition. For more interesting free articles on healthy weight-loss, visit my website.
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