While we all know that our nation, and many
other nations around the world, are facing a new health challenge with high
obesity rates, what you may not know is that one of the fastest growing
segments of the population in terms of obesity is children. Here are some
childhood obesity facts that can paint a clearer, and bleaker, picture.
For children between the ages of 2 to 5 and
from 12 to 19 the obesity rates have doubled since just a few decades ago, and
for the age group of kids between 6 and 11 the rates have tripled in the same
time frame!
About a third of children today run the risk of
becoming obese, and sixteen percent of them are already obese. That's a frightening statistic!
Gender doesn't seem to make much of a
difference, the rates for boys and girls are virtually the same. What does seem to make a difference are
income levels.
Hundreds of years ago being overweight was a
sign of wealth and prestige, that is no longer the case. Though it may sound
counterintuitive, the poorer segments of the population are actually at a far
greater risk of obesity. Why? Simple,
highly processed, fatty food is cheap.
Leaner, more healthy fruits and vegetables are more expensive. The lower income people don't have the option
of buying the healthier, more expensive food options.
There is some differences between certain
ethnic groups as well. Also there can be
a genetic pre-disposition to obesity.
But sometimes it's not genetic it's simply the fact that every member of
the family has adopted the same unhealthy eating habits.
Of course we all know of the health risks
associated with obesity, such as heart attack, stroke, diabetes, arthritis, to
name just a few. These are magnified the
longer a person is obese, so in the case of a child they are at far greater
risk much earlier in life than a normal sized person who gains weight in middle
age would be.
Besides the physical danger to overweight
children there is also the potential for psychological damage as well. Our society stereotypes overweight people as
being lazy, stupid, and lacking self control.
These stigmas can follow a child throughout their entire life. That can lead to difficulties in
relationships and achieving their full potential.
Of course one advantage of the fact that we are
talking about children is that we, as parents, have control over this
issue. We can make it a priority to help
our children make better choices. We can
make sure we don't allow our children to eat fast food more than once a
week. We can restrict the amount of
soda, cookies, ice creams, and chips we buy when we do our grocery
shopping.
Another thing parents can do, that will benefit
them and the whole family, is to encourage the whole family to get more exercise. Suggest an after dinner walk, or bike ride
for the whole family. Not only will this be a great way to spend some quality
time together, it will also encourage your kids to get some exercise. You will be setting a good example for them.
These childhood obesity facts are startling,
but now that you know you do have the power to make changes. Knowledge is power, and it might not be easy
but you can help change your child's course to one of a more healthy lifestyle
filled with nutritious foods and plenty of physical activity. It's not too late.
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