Childhood Obesity: Your Kids And Heart Disease! by:Ray Kelly

Shockingly, it is estimated that 22 million of the world's children under 5 are overweight

or obese and approximately one in four American children are overweight. The problem this presents is that these children are more susceptible to pediatric hypertension, type II diabetes, greater risk of heart disease, the extra burden of weight on joints, not to mention, the social effects with peers. The medical community has already indicated a surge in childhood diabetes and of the children diagnosed with Type II diabetes, 85% are obese.

Childhood obesity can be caused by a combination of many factors, but certainly two of the biggest contributors are lack of exercise and poor dietary habits.

Today's youth spend several hours a day in front of televisions and computers. These activities, along with the lack of physical exercise programs at school, are not providing the energy the body requires to burn off calorie intake. Plus, energy levels continue to decline as additional weight is gained, inhibiting the desire to spend the recommended 30 minutes of daily exercise (in addition to what the child may receive during school). The benefits to physical exercise are extremely important though as it will reduce the risk of developing heart disease, high blood pressure and high cholesterol, along with reducing or maintaining body weight. Additional benefits include, building healthy muscles, bones and joints and improving depression and over all psychological well-being.

Dietary habits contribute to obesity as well and have changed greatly over time. Due to the busy lifestyles of two income households, the demand for quick and easy microwaveable food, fast food and snack foods have increased drastically. Also, many children are substituting soda and vending machine snacks for school lunches. Unfortunately, most of these types of foods are high in salt, sugar, fat or calories and have low nutrient content.

Bottom line, children look for role models. If they see the adults around them exercising regularly and eating a balanced diet, they will be more apt to do those things as well. Fun family activities could include a walk, a bike ride, playing at the playground and shooting hoops on the basketball court.

A final note, if your child is overweight, consult your doctor. Rare hormonal disorders and/or other medical conditions can be diagnosed with blood tests and medical exams.

About the author

Ray Kelly is an Exercise Scientist with 15 years experience in the health and fitness industry. Find out more about childhood obesity at http://www.free-online-health.com or http://www.trainingdiary.ws.

POST COMMENT

Building Eco Friendly New Homes Pain Management- Foods That Help Ease Pain by:Meri Raffetto Did You Know That Natural Herbs And Vitamins Will Help With Allergy Relief? by:Mayur Vibhakar The Hoodia Plant May Be The Best Gift To Avoid Holiday Weight Gain by:Andrew Aitaken "Just Say No" Ain't Enough To Avoid Holiday Weight Gain by:Pauline Wallin, Ph.D. Cancer Diet - Minerals by:Marilyn Bennett Sleep Deprived? There Is Life Beyond Sleeping Pills! by:Olivia Hyde Fitness Plan Secrets by:Tony Farrell Can You Get Free Treatment For Bipolar Disorder? by:Susan Nickerson DC PT How Can Individuals and Families Get Help for Bipolar Disorder? by:Susan Nickerson DC PT Your Body WANTS To Fight The Flu by:Generation Health One-Third of Cancer Deaths Could Be Avoided by:Rita Jenkins Simple Tips for Easy Weight Loss, Part II by:Monique Hawkins