WCHY
WMMM
WOLX
Balance Madison
family_relation_02_617x130.jpg

Poll

Childhood Obesity: Causes & Solutions

Emotional and social issues aside, being an overweight kid also brings serious health concerns.  Here's what every parent should know.


More and more children American are now considered overweight or obese.  Studies show that these kids are more likely to develop asthma, high cholesterol, hypertension, sleep apnea, orthopedic problems, depression and type 2 diabetes. 

Cause: Environment
While there's no simple answer the environment kids are living in is playing a big part in the issue.  Suburban communities are notorious for their lack of sidewalks and many urban areas are plagued with violence.  Making matters worse...time and cash strapped schools around the nation have reduced or eliminated recess and physical education classes.  Once your kids are home they are likely to be camping out in front of the television playing video games or logged on to the internet. 

Cause: Food

What kids are fueling with is also causing early issues with weight.  Some states are starting to crack down on fast food and soft drinks at public schools but many times lunches offered don't include healthy options. 

Cause: Genetics

This is also one of the issues that concerns physicians.  Researchers are beginning to believe that some Latino kids, for instance, are genetically wired to be overweight.  Variants of certain genes appear more frequently in Latinos.  If your child has these traits they'll need to work harder to stay slim. 

Solution: Regulate School Meals & Physical Activity
Last May the nation's largest beverage companies agreed to stop selling regular soft drinks in public schools by 2010.  Why?  They came under enormous pressure from parent and civic groups to do so.  If more changes are going to be made they are going to come from changes like this.  You can start by lobbying your PTA for healthier lunch choices and more physical activity for kids.

Solution: Make Some Changes At Home

Changing your meal and snack habits is a great way to start making a difference in your child's health today.  Maybe candy is only brought out for special occasions and snacks become healthier.  Instead of watching TV, take a bike ride or visit a playground.  It may take some time to form new patterns.  Nutritionists say it usually takes young kids 8 to 10 times of trying a new food before they like it.

Solution: Make Your Health A Priority
Kids learn from what they see and they're not the only ones who benefit from regular exercise and healthy meals.  Every adult in the household needs to commit to a healthier lifestyle in order for it to be successful.  Mixed messages are no good. 

Source: www.babycenter.com