Obesity In Children And Teenagers

Obesity doesn't just affect adults

Obesity doesn't just affect adults. It affects just as many children and teenagers. Realistically, children and teenagers should never be overweight, simply because by nature, they have always been so active. Unfortunately, due to many factors, these kids aren't nearly as active as they once were.

Most of us will blame video games and television for the vast increase of obesity in children and teenagers, but in reality, parents do still have control - it's just easier not to exercise that control. Your kid is at home - not out on the streets getting into trouble. They are at home, and not outside where danger may exist. Unfortunately, your child is at greater risk of obesity than of getting into trouble or being kidnapped.

Due to cutbacks at schools, and ineffective physical exercise programs, you may mistakenly think that your child is getting enough exercise while they are at school. This simply is not the case. It is up to you to make sure that your child is getting as much exercise as possible - not the school system.

Lack of exercise is only half of the problem. Our children are not eating right. While more schools have taken measures to feed our children healthier meals at school, it isn't enough. Most schools have vending machines or snack bars that serve unhealthy food, as well as cafeterias that serve healthy food. Given the choice, most kids want the unhealthy foods - and they typically do have a choice at school.

The problem extends past school, however. In a day and age when both parents usually work, or there is a single parent home where the parent works full time, we are often too busy to prepare healthy meals and snacks. This absolutely must change. In the case of teenagers, we have little control of what they are eating when they are out with friends. It is vital that you teach your children about good nutrition, as well as the dangers of obesity. It is also up to you to make sure that you are providing healthy meals and snacks in the home - even if it means cooking ahead and freezing meals that you can pop into the microwave for a fast meal later in the week.

Do not fail your child. Do not allow a child who is obese to remain obese, carrying that problem into adult hood. As the parent, you are in control, and it really is your responsibility to teach your child to make healthy choices and to lead by example by making healthy choices yourself.

by: Brent McNutt

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