health and wellness

Childhood Obesity

Obesity in kids has reached epidemic levels. Experts estimate that over 20% of kids are overweight and another 20% are at risk of becoming overweight. And two thirds of these overweight kids will remain overweight well into their adulthood.

Without educational or parental guidance, children are extremely vulnerable to the intense cultural pressures that are largely responsible for the obesity epidemic. Kids are under more pressure than ever before. School testings, peer pressure and the likes, are just part of these factors.

Some additional factors that play a role are:

• Excessive television watching plays a critical role in obesity in children. Not only is it a sedentary activity, but television also offers innumerable temptations with its advertisements for fast foods, sugar cereals, and unhealthy snacks. Studies suggest that obesity rates were lowest in children who watched T.V. one hour or less a day and highest in those who watched four or more hours.
• Sugar, particularly from soda, other sweetened beverages, and fruit juice, may be major contributors to childhood obesity. Some studies have reported that drinking soda regularly increases a child’s risk for obesity by 60%. (Juice, while better than soda, is still filled with sugar.)
• Less physical exercise and greater sedentary activities play another significant role in obesity in children. One study reported the annual distance walked by children has fallen by nearly 30% since 1972, partially because more parents are driving their children to school out of fear of abduction, molestation, and traffic accidents. Schools are also offering fewer opportunities for daily physical activities than in the past.

If your child is overweight you should likely work with your pediatrician and/or a registered dietitian to help him lose weight. Encourage your child with moderate physical activity, healthful snacks and a good nights sleep. Most importantly, encourage healthy eating instead of pushing “dieting” on your child.