Child Obesity Statistics warns us of future problems
You will be disappointed to learn that parents, teachers and health professionals are not taking enough efforts when it comes to the health and well being of our kids. The statistics in child obesity show that this condition has reached epidemic proportions, and doesn’t show any signs of stabilizing or coming back down. The numbers reflect that as many as 20% of the children and teens are considered obese. There is a alarming rate of increase of kids who are at risk for diabetes, heart disease and high blood pressure. The child obesity statistics show that if parents, schools, government and health care professionals do not act quickly, the next generations may be even less healthy than current adults. So to make our children healthy and fit in the future, we should take preventive measures today.
Determining factors for High Child Obesity Statistics
We have to see what factors can influence the child obesity statistics.
There are a number of reasons that can be attributed to the high child obesity statistics. One is the nutritional value of the diet that is common in our society today. Do not eat fast food and junk food, and substitute healthy choices like fruits, vegetables, low fat dairy products and whole grain items. You should set an example to your kids of what healthy eating looks like, by selecting an apple over a brownie and carrot sticks instead of the cookies. Your kids will learn to eat right by watching you. If you have bad eating habits, your children will also follow your bad habits. If you have good eating habits, your children will also follow your good habits. So unless you change yourselves, to expect your children to change is not right.
It is also important to get regular physical activity if you want to maintain a healthy weight. Regular exercise is another important factor in reversing the numbers in the current child obesity graphs. Encourage your kids to play outdoor games like cricket, basketball, football etc. Discourage them from playing computer games, television etc. There should be timetable for children to watch television and computer games. They should be made compulsory to go out and play outdoor games. Also they should do regular exercise and keep themselves active and fit. Parents should keep a watch on their children to make sure all these things are strictly followed. If it is not strictly followed, then it can affect the physical status of the child and make him more lazy and inactive.
Child obesity is also a hereditary problem. If the parents are over weight, there is a high probability that their children would also be overweight.
Children with overweight or obese parents have larger risks of obesity. But genetics problem cannot be cured. Only appropriate measures can be taken to control obesity in such cases.
The good news is that with education and proper guidance, the child obesity statistics can come back down and our kids can enjoy a healthier and happier lifestyle. So we have to practice good eating habits, play physical sports and indulge in moderate exercise daily to reduce the cases of obesity. Only then, we can see a decrease in the statistics for child obesity.
Summary: You should set an example to your kids of what healthy eating looks like, by selecting an apple over a brownie and carrot sticks instead of the cookies. Your kids will learn to eat right by watching you. If you have bad eating habits, your children will also follow your bad habits. If you have good eating habits, your children will also follow your good habits. So unless you change yourselves, to expect your children to change is not right.
