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Feb 13, 2009

The Problem with Childhood Obesity

Are kids today heavier and bigger than kids a generation ago? Definitely. Studies around the world have proven that. For instance, data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys (NHANES) carried out from 1976 to 1980 and from 2003 to 2006 show that childhood obesity has increased from 5% to 12.4% for children between two and five and 6.5% to 17% for those between six and 11 years old.

Even without studies to support this, the evidence is clear. Overweight childfren are everywhere. Childhood obesity is a big concern particularly in developed countries where easy access to food and sedentary lifestyles are the norm.

Left unchecked, the condition will continue into adulthood, putting these kids at high risk of a many health conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, skin infections and even cancer. So it's every parent's duty to ensure his or her child grow healthilty and be in the ideal weight range.

The first thing to do is to make all rules regarding eating and fitness apply to everyone in the family, regaradless of whether they have a weight problem or not. Eat healthy and nutritios food, cut down on junk, sugary and fatty foods significantly, ban TV while eating, limit TV time, encourage outdoor activities and exercise together as a family. With parents taking the lead in healthy living, children are more likely to follow suit.

For more ideas to prevent childhood obesity, read the following articles:

Preventing Childhood Obesity

Healthy Weight for Kids

Helping Overweight Kids

Physical Activity for Kids

Winter Fitness for Kids