Saturday, January 3, 2009

Can We Do anything About Childhood Obesity Or Is It Too late

by Elizabeth Akers

Childhood obesity epidemic can be blamed partly on the
popularity of fast food establishments. The up-size
mentality has taken its toll on children who naturally will
go for grubs that are bigger and excessive. But while the
nutritional needs of children are increasingly being
neglected by busy parents, the rapid advancement in
entertainment gadgets also play a big role in preventing the
kids from doing exercise or any amount of simple physical
activity for that matter. This can all translate to the fact
that many children today eat more calories than they can
spend. So putting two and two together, you can easily
figure out that the environment which the children of today
grow up in is a big factor in bringing about obesity.

Childhood obesity epidemic is a reality in the United States
and many other parts of the globe. As a matter of fact, more
than twenty percent of American children are considered to
be obese and this figure is steadily on the rise. Obesity is
basically defined as a condition where the body accumulates
excessive amounts of fat. To know if your child is indeed
obese, you can consult with your doctor or a dietician.

Childhood obesity epidemic can be blamed partly on the
popularity of fast food establishments. The up-size
mentality has taken its toll on children who naturally will
go for grubs that are bigger and excessive. But while the
nutritional needs of children are increasingly being
neglected by busy parents, the rapid advancement in
entertainment gadgets also play a big role in preventing the
kids from doing exercise or any amount of simple physical
activity for that matter. This can all translate to the fact
that many children today eat more calories than they can
spend. So putting two and two together, you can easily
figure out that the environment which the children of today
grow up in is a big factor in bringing about obesity.

The childhood obesity epidemic can present big problems not
just for the young ones but for their parents as well.
Obesity is among the top causes of deadly diseases like
diabetes and hypertension. This condition can also trigger
coronary heart ailments and premature arthritis or joint
pains. More than all this, obese children may also suffer
from low self-esteem and other psycho-social disorders.
Needless to say, lack of self confidence can always lead to
slower performance in school, sports and even later on in
life.

The good news is that childhood obesity epidemic is not
something that's irreversible. Today, there are many
treatment programs that specifically address the needs of
obese children. Government and private health organizations
are also helping in minimizing, if not eliminating obesity
risk factors. However, treatment of obesity may take a long
time. Experts believe that a child will require an average
of at least eighteen months of treatment for every twenty
percent excess body fat. In other words, getting back to
one's ideal weight will be a hard and slow process.
Nevertheless, there is hope. If you do not want your child
to become a part of the obesity statistics, you can deal
with excess weight as early as now.  For more information
please visit:  http://www.weightlossxpress.net/

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