There are many problems with the very idea of childhood obesity: increased risk of other diseases, low self-esteem, depression, high likelihood of becoming obese adults to name a few.
The trend of childhood obesity is going in exactly the wrong direction...it's getting worse, rather than better and there is no hope on the horizon for a solution any time soon. Why has this happened? Why are our kids struggling with something that has historically been an "adult" disease? There are seven major factors which seem to contribute to the epidemic of childhood obesity:
1. Excessive consumption of "fast foods" which are typically high in fat, sugar, sodium, and calories.
2. Sugar sweetened drinks.
3. Lack of exercise.
4. "Mindless eating" habits.
5. TV, computer, video games...creates a two-fold problem. They are not exercising during screen time, and, they are most likely "munching" (mindless eating of high calorie foods).
6. Healthful foods and snacks are not available.
7. Lack of knowledge.
Of all of these reasons, number seven is probably the most significant. With proper understanding of the relationship between the kinds of food they eat and weight gain, our children would have at least some motivation to eat in a more healthful manner. For instance, kids suffer with weight problems, skin problems, esteem problems, relationship problems, learning problems...many of these issues could be eliminated, or at least helped, by the intake of proper foods in proper amounts.
The food that we eat is the material with which our bodies make new cells. Think of a building project: For the first house, you start with broken bricks, warped wood, cracked wire, broken pipes. For the second house, your building materials are strong, straight, unworn, and new. Which of these sets of materials do you think is going to produce the best finished product?
This same comparison can be made when considering the food we eat and the finished product. In one case, the food is greasy, salty, loaded with sugar and additives, and low in vitamins and minerals. Isn't it reasonable that the result of combining these "faulty materials" will be an inferior product?
On the other hand, start with a diet balanced with protein, carbohydrates, "good" fat, ample vitamins and minerals, and low in fat, salt, and sugar. Don't you suppose that the end product will be a stronger, healthier, better looking specimen?
Our kids don't get that connection in part because many parents don't either. As the significant adults in our children's lives, let us strive to understand, and take ownership of, what poor foods are doing to our bodies and those of our children.
Sue Bristol, R.N. gives specific advice on what you can do about childhood obesity.
Here's the "Secret Weight Loss Diet" that virtually EVERY successful dieter uses. (Whether or not they are even aware of it!)
Click Here to get your Free e-book, which will give you the "Weight Loss Secret" You don't need to be overweight: http://www.how-to-loseweight-101.com/index1.html
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