Childhood Obesity: A Rising Epidemic

by r.awad

Did you know that in the United States alone, more than 15% of children between the ages of 6 and 19 and 10% of 2- to 5-yr-olds are overweight. Childhood obesity is an insidious epidemic that threatens the health of future generations. But why has this rise occurred?

Here are some key facts regarding childhood obesity:

* Breastfeeding reduces the risk of childhood obesity
*What mothers eat while they're pregnant can lead to childhood obesity, especially if the mother is herself overweight
*The rise in childhood obesity is not linked to fat consumption, but rather to high carbohydrate intake. Soda, especially, is a prime culprit, because of its high sugar content and low nutrient content. For each additional serving of a sugar-sweetened drink, there is a 60% increased risk in the development of childhood obesity.
*TV also contributes to childhood obesity by decreasing physical movement and increasing snacking
*Family dynamics play a role in childhood obesity as well. Specifically, parental obesity is predictive of childhood obesity
*Childhood obesity has psychosocial consequences, such as peer victimization or isolation

Posted 7/15/2008 3:33:21 PM
About the Author

Renee Awad
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Columbia, PA

Interests: Homeopathy, Craniosacral Therapy, Education, Theater/Music

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This blog is written by an individual Wellness.com forum member and does not necessarily state the views of Wellness.com Incorporated or any of its affiliates.

Community Comments!

caroline16 7/19/2008 3:34:26 AM

It is an interesting blog on children obesity, which has rise occurred.And beneficial for the pregnant mothers to keep their balance diet. Thanks for such good suggestions.
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caroline16

Addiction Recovery New Jersey

HigherSpa 7/23/2008 2:35:32 AM

Thanks Renee for sharing. True love for our children means caring enough to minimize their junk food consumption and practice physical activities with them.

Researchers Nader et al., at the University of California San Diego, just reported (July 2008) significant decreases in moderate-to-vigorous activity in children between ages 9 - 15.
Cutting-edge research (July 2008) at Tulane University in New Orleans, by Nguyen et al., shed insight onto the effects on adulthood of childhood obesity and metabolic syndrome. Specifically, they noted that metabolic syndrome, adiposity, and glucose homeostasis in children are predictors for adult diabetes.

Other studies connect childhood obesity with cardiovascular disease, compromised cognitive function, and decreased bone strength.

Nina Schnipper
www.higher-lifestyle.blogspot.com