Childhood Obesity

Obesity 1

Childhood Obesity

Childhood Obesity

Combating childhood obesity is a collective task. It requires vast participation on multiple fronts in order to be successful. Parents are essential to the success of stopping childhood obesity and are encouraged to promote healthy eating habits and exercise by the first lady, Michelle Obama.

Childhood obesity is an epidemic that has reached an alarming rate. it has tripled over the past thirty years. Statistics show that children that were born after the year 2000, are more likely to suffer from diabetes [cite source]. First Lady Obama has started a nationwide campaign to stop obesity. Her movement states that, “The physical and emotional health of an entire generation and the economic health and security of our nation is at stake”[cite source]. Government statistics suggest approximately 32 percent of children and adolescents are obese or over weight placing them at very high risk for diabetes and high cholesterol. Overweight children and teens are also more likely to become overweight adults. This can be prevented if parents refrain from going to local fast food restaurant, and cook a well balanced meal at home.

Childhood obesity is a growing problem not only in the United States ,but world wide. Parents should teach their children good eating habits. Adults use to food to cope with stresses from work, the economy, and relationships. This behavior is observed and mimicked by children. These days parents have to work longer hours to provide for their families leaving less time for interacting with the children to promote exercise. As a result, children spend more time being entertained by video games. It seems the days of parents taking the time to provide their children with healthy meals is obsolete. The last two decades have represented a shift towards families resorting to fast food instead of a home cooked meal.

Children's metabolism develop over the course of their lives. Many things can...