How to Stop the Obesity Epidemic

Childhood obesity has become more and more prevalent over the past few years. Because of this, it is finally recognized as a chronic condition. More and more children ages 2 to 5 are dangerously close to becoming the next generation of obese teens, then adults and finally obese seniors. Obesity is now one of the leading causes of death, disability, discrimination and unemployment, more so than tobacco usage and exposure.

Obesity is not caused solely by poor eating habits. Children can become overweight from genetic diseases such as Bradet-Biedl syndrome and Prader-Willi syndrome. However, bad eating and exercise habits are still the main reasons for it.

To increase public awareness of this epidemic, many health professionals are taking extreme actions. Hopeful that they can help to turn this trend around, they are introducing new methods of play, healthier food choices in our schools and more physical recreational activities. They have begun treating this as a major health concern. It is damaging our most precious resource - our children.

We, as adults, have to become more proactive in setting good examples for our children. Our role is to teach them new attitudes and behaviors and help them realize the importance of taking responsibility for their own health.

It has been concluded that nearly one third of all U.S. children are either at a high risk for childhood obesity or are currently overweight. These children are in danger of problems such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol as well as an increased risk of developing diabetes, usually reserved for adults, not kids.

How do we turn this disturbing trend around? The change must begin at home. Changing their diet (this does not mean dieting) to include healthier foods and exercise is key. Add more fruits and vegetables, less soda pop and more water to the daily menu.

Other ways of preventing obesity and ensuring longevity and high levels of energy in your child's life can be as simple as: not fighting with the child over what they are going to eat, not using food as a behavior modification tool and setting a good eating example yourself.

Emphasize the positive things about changing their behavior. If you show them that healthy habits can be fun, this can make all the difference in the world. A child's natural inclination is to please you, have fun and explore. Incorporating a fitness routine into their play can make exercise fun and it just might become something that they look forward to doing.

Also, get your child outdoors more. Lessen the amount of time spent in front of the TV and computer. It is a fact that before the invention of TVs and computers, kids were healthier, less prone to being overweight. They happily spent more time outdoors, playing street hockey or riding their bicycles.

Remember, children learn by example. If you stay in shape yourself and display healthy eating habits, then you will impress on them the importance of being a health minded individual and these habits will stay with them their whole lives.

If you are interested in finding out more about what changes you can make in your diet, look no farther than your local library. You can also seek out your family doctor and find out what he/she recommends in accordance to your current health.