It's safe to say that overweight and obesity in children is a fast-growing and alarming epidemic. With the statistics pointing to an overwhelming percentage of children being considered obese, the facts have a significant impact on health-care costs and the health of your child in the future. If your child is overweight or obese, lead by example to promote a healthier lifestyle, complete with daily exercise and a wholesome, well-rounded diet. The power is in your hands to save your child from a lifetime battle with weight.
Statistics
The statistics are truly shocking. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the 2007-2008 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, about 17 percent of children and adolescents between the ages of 2 and 19 are considered obese. The prevalence of obesity is experiencing an upward trend, with only 6.5 percent of children ages 6 to 11 being considered obese between 1976 and 1980. Now, almost 20 percent of the children of the same age are obese in the United States. Altogether, one in three children is considered to be overweight or obese.
Significance
What may be seen as a harmless amount of baby fat on a child could really be condemning her to a lifetime of health problems and self-esteem issues. A child who is obese or overweight is more likely to remain overweight as an adult, warns the CDC. What's more, the excess weight is associated with earlier death rates as adults -- an entire generation has life expectancies shorter than their parents, warns the American Heart Association. The excess weight can lead to heart attack, stroke, high cholesterol and blood pressure, poor self-esteem and depression.
Contributors
It's easy to pinpoint the demise of healthy lifestyles in children, since they likely begin in the home. Poor examples from parents, a busy schedule which fosters the need for fast food and processed snacks and a sedentary lifestyle of playing video games and watching television are all to blame for the problem of childhood overweight and obesity, notes KidsHealth from Nemours. Children learn the habits of their parents and family, so despite blame being placed upon fast food restaurants, candy commercials and video games, overweight and obesity begins in the home.
Solutions
Luckily, the solutions for childhood overweight and obesity are easy to follow. While you should never urge a child or adolescent to adhere to a strict diet, fostering a healthy relationship with a well-rounded diet is advisable. Cooking meals at home and eating together can help impact your child's weight, while offering fruits, vegetables, whole grains and lean proteins can help wean your child from sugary snacks and processed foods. Get at least one hour of physical activity per day as a family, suggests the American Academy of Pediatrics. Together, you can create an atmosphere for healthy weight loss for life.
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