Jan 17, Child Obesity Facts

Understanding child obesity facts is the first lesson to be learned before we can solve the problem. Childhood obesity has grown to be an epidemic that has health professionals scurrying to help families cope with the problem and find solutions. It is obvious that poor nutrition and lack of exercise are the major contributors of child obesity.

Modern technology has lured our children into sedentary lifestyles. Between cell phones, computers, and video games they are getting less exercise and while engaging in these activities they are developing eating disorders.

There was a time when most children walked to and from school. This may not seem like much exercise but it is, in fact, more than they may be getting now. Parents feel a need to do the school run because of work schedules or other family reasons and as a result their children don't get the morning exercise.

Since over one third of school aged children are considered either overweight or obese it is fair to say that they are not alone in dealing with the obese issue. This is important for them to understand so they don't feel singled out. Many times when children realize that it is not only their issue they will respond more favorably to open dialog rather than acting out.

Parents of an obese child can improve their child's self esteem by emphasizing the child's strengths and positive qualities rather than just focusing on their weight problem. It is imperative that we educate our children on the facts about proper nutrition as well as exercise.

We also have to practice good eating and shopping habits ourselves. Restocking our shelves with health snacks and adding more fruits and vegetables to our refrigerators will help encourage better eating habits.

Make It A family Affair

Involving our children in meal planning as well as cooking meals together will help them learn about the child obesity facts and encourage them to practice better nutrition. During mealtime it is best to serve from the kitchen rather than the table to discourage the desire for a second helping.

Unfortunately the facts are that many obese children grow up to be obese adults. Child obesity does not have to be a permanent condition . It can be cured with proper nutrition and exercise.

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Success has a simple formula: do your best, and people may like it. Sam Ewing

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Jan 17, Childhood Obesity Facts

Childhood obesity in America and worldwide is a major health problem. The childhood obesity facts has the potential to effect many physical and psychological problems in children. Increases in weight gain as a child grows is normal as long as they are within the limits of their body mass index. When the increase in body weight is more than what is considered healthy body weight then children can be considered obese. Some of the childhood obesity facts are type II diabetes, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol

There are numerous causes for childhood obesity. The main cause is eating more calories than the body burns through physical activity. Child obesity is often a result of nutritional, psychological, physiological, and family factors. It is commonly known that many obese children have obese parents. This may be due to genetic reasons but most times it is a result of the parenting lifestyles.

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Parents are role models and when they have poor eating habits and irregular exercise practices their children inherit those same poor habits. Additional childhood obesity facts are: children spending too much time watching television or playing video games. While engaging in these activities they have a tendency to eat high calorie snacks and drink sodas which are loaded with sugar. Heredity also has a role in childhood obesity. Studies have shown that children of overweight mothers were found to be less active than children of normal weight mothers.

Obesity Risks

Children who continuously consume high calorie foods such as those found at fast food restaurants, vending machines, and doughnut shops are at high risk of becoming obese. In order to maintain weight they need to burn those calories through physical exercise. If they don't they will gain weight. Psychologically, the childhood obesity facts with children who have difficulties dealing with stress and emotions can lead to obesity. Many children who have emotional issues will turn to food as an escape. Often that food is high in sugar which momentarily gives them a euphoric feeling easing the stress and leaving them with a feeling of relief.

Health Risks

There are numerous health risks associated childhood obesity both physically and psychologically. The physical risks include high cholesterol, high blood pressure, heart disease, type II diabetes, liver disease, sleep disorders , and several different respiratory problems. In addition obese children are at risk of stroke, heart attack, and some cancers. Psychologically they feel lonely and depressed. Obese children get picked on, taunted, and they have fewer friends which effects their self esteem and body image.

Solutions

According to the childhood obesity facts the best solution is to encourage and implement a healthy diet. This means making changes in overall lifestyles from eating habits to physical activity. Depending on the age of your child use caution when deciding on a formal weight loss diet program. Keep in mind that they may be still going through a natural growth process. A healthy diet should include fresh whole foods such as vegetables and fruit. Eliminate the fried foods and go for grilled or baked foods instead. Avoid foods that are processed and foods with high salt or sugar content.

In order to achieve the best results the childhood obesity facts require changes in eating habits and physical exercise. It all starts with making changes as a family. Mealtime should be had as a family and at the dinner table. Encourage eating more slowly and never allow television viewing during mealtime. Provide healthy snacks and remind your child that it is a snack not a meal. Additionally involve your family in more exercise. Take a walk together on a daily basis and create chores that require physical activity such as: taking the dog for a walk, taking out the trash, or even cleaning their room.

These are the main childhood obesity facts. Results take time but with patience and determination you can help your child regain their health and live a more active life.

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Child obesity is not only an American problem it is a global problem. It doesn't discriminate between races, religions, or sexes. Is your community doing enough? What could they do better

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Success has a simple formula: do your best, and people may like it. Sam Ewing

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Jan 17, Fast Food Nutrition Facts

It is appropriate to talk about the fast food nutrition facts because, believe it or not, you can get sufficient nutrients from select fast food menus. This is not to suggest that you make fast food a regular staple in your families diet because when it comes to overweight children the fast food nutrition facts are obvious. It is more about making healthier choices from the menu.

The bulk of your meals should include more natural and fresh foods which are usually found in the perimeter of supermarkets. The interior sections have a variety of foods that in some cases are processed foods. Such as canned foods which would require more label reading to know what the fast food nutrition really is. Frequenting fast food restaurants normally is out of convenience or because of a tight schedule.

Putting limits on how often you indulge will be beneficial to your overall nutritional health. Once a week would be sufficient although less would be better. The fast food nutrition facts are available on line which will help at making smart choices.

Excessive amounts of fast food will ruin any weight loss plan so it is important to know the fast food nutrition. This will aid you in distinguishing between whole foods and foods that are processed which are loaded with calories and fat. Fast food restaurants cater to a wide client?le many of which are careless in food nutrition choices.

Many fast food restaurants have expanded their menus to include more grilled lean meats, salads and fruit. The majority of their menus, however, are processed foods which is why you need to know the fast food nutritional facts. A salad with grilled chicken is an excellent choice but if you are unaware of the ingredients in the salad dressing you just might be eating empty calories. Avoid mayonnaise whenever possible and be wary of what is thought to be fat free. Know the fast food nutrition in fat free products by checking the sugar content.

It is possible for fast foods to be a part of your diet as long as you are educated about the fast food nutritional facts. Once you are informed it makes it easier to choose wisely when ordering your next fast food meal. Keeping fast foods in moderation and with proper exercise you can include it in your weight loss plans.

Return to Fast Food Child Obesity Page from "Fast Food Nutrition Facts"

Home | About Me | RSS/Blog | Contact Us?2008-2011 Help Cure Child Obesity - All Rights Reserved

Success has a simple formula: do your best, and people may like it. Sam Ewing

View the original article here