Causes of Obesity

How To Battle Childhood Obesity



Childhood obesity is a growing problem in the United States. In fact, it is estimated that thirteen percent of the children in the United States are clinically obese. The sad fact, besides the health risks it poses to the children now, is that children who deal with childhood obesity often grow up to be obese adults. The behavior patterns they learn as children follow them into adulthood. There are several steps that can and should be taken to combat the problem of childhood obesity.

What To Do At Home

The fact remains that it is a child's parents are the number one factor that help influence whether or not he will suffer from childhood obesity. There are many steps that families with an overweight child can do to easily help the problem.

Parents need to make it their goal to teach their children life long healthy behaviors. The most important behaviors that affect childhood obesity, of course, are eating and activity behaviors. Children who are fed healthy food at an early age have a better likelihood of developing a taste for it.

This can be a challenge, though, because many of the snack foods marketed to children are actually increasing the rate of childhood obesity, because they are loaded with simple sugars and fats. Try to teach your children to snack on fruit and vegetables, or granola bars with whole grains. These are the best foods for them to learn to like.

Next, teach your entire family to be involved in physical activity, daily if possible. Today's children enjoy a sedentary lifestyle, including video games, television, movies, and the Internet. While there is nothing wrong with these activities, they need to be used in conjunction with plenty of running and playing, outdoors if possible.

Getting Involved At School

Another way to combat childhood obesity is through the school system. Schools should examine their hot lunch menu, and make sure they are serving good, wholesome foods, not fried, fatty foods. Also, children need to be involved in physical activity throughout the school day. Recess is vital to this, and should not be skipped. On the upper levels, children can participate in physical education classes and extracurricular sports. Parents who are concerned about the emphasis in their children's schools should talk to the administration and school board.

Children should also be taught as a part of their education what causes childhood obesity, and what they can do to fight it. By giving children the tools they need to life a healthy life, you are arming them to meet the challenges they will face as adults. Health education is another step in fighting childhood obesity, and should not be ignored in the schools.

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Dedicated online information on obesity,Obesity surgery in teens studied - Seattle Post Intelligencer

Thu, 26 Apr 2007 19:24:11 GMT

Obesity surgery in teens studied Seattle Post Intelligencer, WA - 8 hours ago THE ISSUE: A growing number of teenagers are fighting severe obesity and seeking ways to loss weight, including surgery. THE QUESTION: Researchers want to ... Obesity Surgery in Teens Studied ABC News all 28 news articles

Obesity In Children

 

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Obesity In Teens - A Growing Epidemic



Today's lifestyle with modern technology offers little to improve one's health. Computers come equipped with games and gaming consoles are all the craze. Teens are now sitting in front of the computer or television for hours at a time. Obesity in teens is at an all time high and the rates are rising every year. Some studies suggest that as many as 33% of teens are now obese. The United States is a top leader in obesity in teens; not a statistic to be proud of.

Many factors come into play in this growing epidemic. Teens are much less active today than they were ten years ago. The have traded in skating for the latest gaming console. They can sit and watch television while text messaging their friends. Many teens now own their own car so they hit the drive through on the way home from school. Some studies show that teens will eat fast food an average of four times per week.

Obesity In Teens - Looking At The Cause

There are several factors to consider when looking at obesity in teens. If there is a family history of obesity the chances are high the teen will become obese. With both parents working, teens tend to develop poor eating habits when left to their own devices. There may be stressful events in the teen's life such as divorce, death, or even abuse. Many teens react to stress by overeating. There may also be medical problems which require the teen to take medication such as steroids, although medical problems represent only about 1% of teenage obesity.

Searching For Relief

Obesity in teens usually means obesity when they become adults. Obese teens are literally taking years off of their life. They are setting the stage for cardiovascular disease, type II diabetes, high blood pressure, and breathing problems. While depression can often cause overeating, being obese can also cause depression. Teens are under extreme peer pressure at school and in their everyday lives. Depression can lead to low self-esteem, and if left untreated, can lead to teen suicide. It is very important for parents to get a handle on this problem before it gets started.

Radical dieting by teens is not recommended because they are still growing and need plenty of nutrients to develop strong bones. Dieting also leads to failure because there are very few people who can stick with a diet for life. When preparing meals at home be sure to select foods that have a high nutritional content. Avoid fried and processed foods. Get the teen involved in preparing the meal. Teach them how to eat a healthy, balanced meal without sacrificing on taste. Try to limit their time in front of the television. Get them involved in some kind of physical activity such as gardening or washing the car. In the summer they can mow the yard. Plan family outings that require physical activity such as swimming or hiking on the local nature trails.

It is important to remember to show your teen support. Obesity in teens is a serious problem and parents need to tackle this problem with love and support. Reinforce the need for a healthy lifestyle and offer rewards and praise when they reach goals. Keeping your teen healthy gives them the best chance of living a long and healthy life.

Your trusted resource centre for information on obesity,New Study Shows Significant Rise In Childhood Obesity - Playfuls.com

Mon, 16 Apr 2007 16:05:59 GMT

New Study Shows Significant Rise In Childhood Obesity Playfuls.com, Romania - 11 hours ago Swedish researchers who studied BMI figures for more than a thousand children over two decades discovered that obesity levels had risen significantly among ...

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Foundation Makes Massive Commitment to Fight Childhood Obesity - KCBS

Wed, 04 Apr 2007 19:17:29 GMT

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Foundation Makes Massive Commitment to Fight Childhood Obesity KCBS, CA - 6 hours ago ... (KCBS/AP) -- The nation's largest health philanthropy group announced it would spend $500 million over the next five years to fight childhood obesity. ... Child Obesity Grant KHQA all 88 news articles

The Media Presents Evidence of Childhood Obesity Epidemic



Television programs and newspaper articles constantly provide information on a childhood obesity epidemic. A former President and a current governor have taken an active role in raising concern about the possibility of a childhood obesity epidemic. Health professionals around the country have voiced serious concerns about the childhood obesity epidemic. Nutritionists have spoken about the poor eating habits of the children of the country, and these experts have made many suggestions for improving the eating habits of the children in the country. Doctors and nurses have also noted the trends, and their concerns about a childhood obesity epidemic.

Other professionals that are experts on the physical fitness of children around the country have expressed their fear that the children do not get enough physical exercise. These professionals note that children do not get to play as much at school, and they do not have activities after school to get exercise. The physical education people believe that children do not go out to ride their bikes as their parents and grandparents used to do. Many of the professionals agree that the children spend too much time watching television and playing games on computers. The children today have many distractions that keep them sedentary that were not available to children in the past.

The Evidence of a Childhood Obesity Epidemic Is Frightening

There is unfortunately evidence that the childhood obesity epidemic is a reality. Statistics show some frightening trends in the rising number of children who are considered obese. The number of children who can be classified as obese has doubled in the last thirty years. These classifications are made through medically accepted standards. Twenty percent of the children are classified as overweight. The statistics show that children and adolescents are all in danger of being part of an obesity epidemic. The statistics also show that the childhood obesity epidemic affects children from all ethnic backgrounds. Girls and boys are equally affected by obesity according to the available information.

The effects of obesity include an increase in diseases such as childhood diabetes. The children who are overweight when young tend to grow up to be overweight adults, and this means they are more likely to suffer from heart disease, high blood pressure and stroke. Overweight children tend to suffer psychologically as well as physically. These children are teased and bullied more often than their thinner peers. Their self-esteem also suffers from the negative treatment they receive because they are obese.

Obesity In Children

 

Obesity Facts Could Lead to Cure

How to know you're on the right track regarding obesity?

The Where, What, How and Why of obesity

Obesity Help - A Serious Look



Obesity is considered to be a chronic health condition. Obese people can't just lose weight and be cured; it is a life long problem which must be dealt with on a daily basis and there is no easy cure. Along with obesity comes many other heath conditions such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, and a good chance of developing osteoarthritis. Obese people are often depressed because they feel trapped in their unsightly body.

People seeking obesity help are bombarded with diets, pills, and even surgical options. Many obese people desperately try every diet and pill that comes along. They may find temporary success, but without serious changes in their life, they will likely gain back more weight than they lost.

Ready For Change

Real obesity help can make a difference in the final results. Joining a group which meets on a regular basis can help keep with keeping goals. It is more difficult to face the group if there is no improvement. For many people, knowing that they will have to publicly display either their results or failure can help them stay motivated and on track. Group support also places you in touch with others who are experiencing the same feelings you are. In this setting you are not being judged, you are being supported.

Seeking obesity help at the gym can be a big plus if you will give it a chance. When you are seriously obese, exercise can be difficult. Find a coach or trainer who will work with you at your level. Change does not come easily; your body needs time to adjust. You should start slowly and allow yourself the necessary time to safely reach your goals.

A dietician can offer obesity help by helping you come up with a plan that does not make you feel deprived. Radical change for quick results is not the answer. Make a list of foods that you feel you cannot do without. Ask your dietician how you can incorporate these foods into your diet without guilt. You might be surprised at how much easier it is to stick to a healthy eating plan if you can still enjoy your favorite foods.

Staying With The Program

Understand that getting obesity help will increase your chances of success. A strong support system will aid you in making the needed changes. Take things slowly; don't expect overnight results. Do not try to make drastic changes in your lifestyle. If you drink sugary drinks, try switching to drinks without sugar. Experiment until you find something you can live with. This one change alone can produce up to a 30 pound weight loss in a year. Drink plenty of water. If you don't like water with your meals try drinking a glass before your meal. This can help you feel full quicker. Don't feel you have to clean your plate. If leaving food on your plate bothers you then take out smaller portions. Buying smaller plates will give you a visual of a full plate while also cutting portion size.

The most important part is to stay focused. Don't let occasional failure deter you from your goals. Whatever obesity help you seek remember to keep it reasonable. Making slow, progressive change can lead to a healthier and happier you.

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TV, Teens, & Obesity - WBKO

Thu, 29 Mar 2007 22:44:55 GMT

TV, Teens, & Obesity WBKO, KY - 3 hours ago The report does not directly link TV food advertising with the alarming rise in obesity rates in American kids, but just look at what children are seeing. ...

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Obesity In Children