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Obesity has long been a problem among many Americans. This disease can damage many aspects of a person's life. It can cause many more physical problems including heart disease and diabetes. It can also cause sufferers emotional strain and a negative self image. In recent years, Americans have been watching their children struggle with the same problems. And they aren't the only ones. Problems with childhood obesity are being dealt with in many areas of the world.
According to the Centers for Disease control and prevention, sixteen percent of American children between the ages of six and nineteen are overweight or obese. That adds up to over nine million children who struggle with the many challenges of dealing with obesity.
While the number of American children struggling with obesity is overwhelming, the really staggering aspect of it is how this number is increasing. The number of children who are overweight or obese has refused to decrease or even stay constant. It rises at a downright scary level every year.
Children who are overweight as children are very likely to stay overweight as adults. This means dealing with the same problems for their whole lives. This is all the more reason for adults to take a stand and do something about our children's health. But first, we must understand why are children are having so many problems with obesity.
There are many reasons that a child may struggle with their weight. The first reason is diet. So many times, adults let children eat what they want. Their young, they should enjoy their lives, they say. But children are more likely to enjoy their lives when they are healthy with restrictions than when they are unhealthy and may do what they want.
It is sometimes hard to decide what foods are good for children. There are many prevailing theories, but a good guideline to follow is to simply think sensible. Low sugar, low fat, whole grains, fruits, vegetables, and lean meats are usually good ideas. However, we all know that most children aren't going to like that spinach you deem healthy, so you may have to be a little creative when it comes to supper recipes. If you would like a little help coming up with nutritious and healthy meals, there are many sites online that you can visit.
If you need more help, you may think about contacting a professional nutritionist. He or she will be able to help you in constructing a practical diet plan tailored to your child's specific needs.
Of course, poor diet is not the only reason that so many children are struggling with their weight. Lack of exercise is another reason. Television and video games are often self-consuming, even to many adults. So the time spent with these activities should be monitored and limited to make way for physical activities.
Genetics and environment also play a role in the causation for childhood obesity. People all want their children to be healthy, but sometimes they are simply born with the lower hand. Many factors can't be helped. However, one way to curb weight problems in children is to set a good example for them. Don't eat what they can't, and don't watch TV more than they can. Be good to your body, and they are more likely to be good to theirs.
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