The facts are sobering when it comes to children and obesity. A whopping 32% of American kids are obese or overweight. The dangerous health risks that go hand and hand with obesity should be enough to make us all sit up and take notice.
Life Long Damage
Packing around all that extra weight puts our children at risk for the same things that threaten the health of overweight adults. Things like diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, liver disease. The really scary part? Overweight kids may be more likely to die two to five years sooner than their parents as a result of these obesity health issues.
Minorities At Even Greater Risk
While all obese and overweight children are at risk, there seems to be an even greater percentage of minority children at risk. Government studies have found a higher rate of obesity among black and Hispanic kids. These studies have found that minority kids face a 5% higher obesity rate than caucasian children and the risks for these kids start even before birth.
Contributing Factors
Not surprisingly, lack of exercise is a huge problem with kids today. Physical education classes have been slashed and video games have taken precedence over physical "play time." Combine that with the fast food frenzy and the poor snack choices offered up to kids and it's not hard to see why they are where they are.
Start At Home
When parents are overweight or obese it's easy for kids to follow in their footsteps. When parents make an evening of snacking on bad food as they vegetate in front of the tv, it's hard to convince kids not to do the same. The best chance for correcting this trend is by starting early and by setting a good example. When overweight parents start following a healthy eating plan and start "moving" their children will be much more likely to follow their example.
Life Long Damage
Packing around all that extra weight puts our children at risk for the same things that threaten the health of overweight adults. Things like diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, liver disease. The really scary part? Overweight kids may be more likely to die two to five years sooner than their parents as a result of these obesity health issues.
Minorities At Even Greater Risk
While all obese and overweight children are at risk, there seems to be an even greater percentage of minority children at risk. Government studies have found a higher rate of obesity among black and Hispanic kids. These studies have found that minority kids face a 5% higher obesity rate than caucasian children and the risks for these kids start even before birth.
Contributing Factors
Not surprisingly, lack of exercise is a huge problem with kids today. Physical education classes have been slashed and video games have taken precedence over physical "play time." Combine that with the fast food frenzy and the poor snack choices offered up to kids and it's not hard to see why they are where they are.
Start At Home
When parents are overweight or obese it's easy for kids to follow in their footsteps. When parents make an evening of snacking on bad food as they vegetate in front of the tv, it's hard to convince kids not to do the same. The best chance for correcting this trend is by starting early and by setting a good example. When overweight parents start following a healthy eating plan and start "moving" their children will be much more likely to follow their example.
Learn how you can fight the health risks of obesity and children in your home by setting the right example. Get all the latest weight loss tips and info at http://bestweightlossmethods.com
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