Waging War Against Childhood Obesity

What's up? The weight of children in this nation, that's what. Health experts now view childhood obesity as a national epidemic.

The incidence of type 2 diabetes in obese children and teens, according to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), has increased dramatically. Many of these young people suffer from high cholesterol and hypertension - both known risk factors for heart disease. They also are at risk for sleep apnea, which can result in problems with memory and learning, orthopedic problems, asthma ,and liver disease.

Think that they're just cute plump kids? What's not so cute: overweight adolescents have a 70 percent chance of growing into obese or overweight adults.

Those are the statistics. What we need is a solution. If there were easy answers, well...I wouldn't be writing this article - and you wouldn't be reading it.

The reality is: there are multiple solutions - and they all need to be implemented:

1. Nutrition: at home, at schools, and outside of the home (relatives...special events...even on the way home from school) - in all these areas, adults need to take increased responsibility for what children and teens eat and drink. If cookies, candy, sodas, chips, and ice cream are featured in the cupboards and refrigerators at their homes, children and teens will of course opt for those high-calorie, high-sugar, high-fat foods. In contrast, by substituting equally tasty but healthier options (fresh fruit, cut-up fresh vegetables with a yogurt-based dip, low-fat frozen yogurt bars), young people have the opportunity to learn to enjoy healthy food and beverage choices. These changes need to happen at schools as well. Ask relatives to make healthy choices available. If you're visiting a place where good food choices may not be available, such as amusement parks or baseball games, pack healthy energy bars and bottles of water, as well as fresh fruit, to take along.
2. Exercise: With physical education classes not always offered, children and teens lack regular exercise unless parents and other adults provide opportunities. If possible, walking or biking to and from school should be encouraged. Investigate after school sports and classes, from Little League to tap dance. Do your children love watching TV, playing video games, and working on the computer at home? Offer compromises: if they join you on a walk to the park or post office or store, they can spend some time watching TV or playing a video game. You can also find a local fitness trail, such as TriActive America provides.

3. Consistency: Sweet treats and high-fat foods are often offered as a reward, as consolation, or for a celebration. "You got an A in math class - I'm going to take you out for a hot fudge sundae!" says a parent to a child. "Oh, honey, don't cry - come on, I'll give you a cookie," soothes a well-meaning grandparent. "It's fourth of July - let's eat some chips'n dip and drink soda while we watch the fireworks." Seek non-food rewards (a new skateboard, for example,) offer a hug and diversion for consolation ("How about going to the pet store and visiting the puppies?"), and celebrate with healthy options. Be consistent about your attitude toward food and exercise - and improve your health as well as the health of those you love.

Visit TriActive America for more on fitness!