Child obesity is becoming a major problem for many countries. Many children are struggling with weight problems at earlier ages than ever before. Here is a closer look at this problem and what can be done about it.
Obesity exists when body mass index or BMI is above 30 for adults. However, for children it is much lower, as body fat tends to increase with age. BMI is calculated by comparing height to weight. For example, a ten year old and fifteen year old may have the same BMI of 23. The 15 year old would be in the normal range while the 10 year old would be obese.
Child obesity is reaching epidemic proportions in many of the world's developing countries. It is considered to be a major concern in the US, United Kingdom, and Mexico. Part of the reasons for this problem is the sedentary lifestyles that many modern day children lead. For instance, it burns up few calories to sit and play video games for hours on end. Many children never take the time to go outside and play.
As the Internet becomes popular more and more children are spending a great deal of time online. They may be playing online games or talking to friends with online chat programs. All of these sedentary activities are taking up the majority of time for young people, and leaves little time for exercise and sports.
Children are becoming overweight because they are eating foods high in fat, sugar, and calories. Junk foods are widely available and are very inexpensive to purchase. Also, the convenience of fast foods is tempting many families to eat these meals. If both parents are working it is much more convenient to stop at a fast food place on the way home from work. It also is cheaper than preparing a full meal.
It is important for obesity to be treated as early in life as possible. Being overweight contributes to many health risk factors like diabetes and heart disease. Many young people face higher health risks for disease than their parents. In 2010, the World Health Organization (WHO) claims that over 40 million children in the world are obese, and it can be prevented.
If parents wish to do something about child obesity they can limit sedentary activities and encourage exercise and healthy eating habits. Several times a week, turn off the televisions and computers and go outdoors and have some fun together. Parents can tell their kids to eat better and exercise but if they are not setting the right example, there are few chances for success.
Obesity exists when body mass index or BMI is above 30 for adults. However, for children it is much lower, as body fat tends to increase with age. BMI is calculated by comparing height to weight. For example, a ten year old and fifteen year old may have the same BMI of 23. The 15 year old would be in the normal range while the 10 year old would be obese.
Child obesity is reaching epidemic proportions in many of the world's developing countries. It is considered to be a major concern in the US, United Kingdom, and Mexico. Part of the reasons for this problem is the sedentary lifestyles that many modern day children lead. For instance, it burns up few calories to sit and play video games for hours on end. Many children never take the time to go outside and play.
As the Internet becomes popular more and more children are spending a great deal of time online. They may be playing online games or talking to friends with online chat programs. All of these sedentary activities are taking up the majority of time for young people, and leaves little time for exercise and sports.
Children are becoming overweight because they are eating foods high in fat, sugar, and calories. Junk foods are widely available and are very inexpensive to purchase. Also, the convenience of fast foods is tempting many families to eat these meals. If both parents are working it is much more convenient to stop at a fast food place on the way home from work. It also is cheaper than preparing a full meal.
It is important for obesity to be treated as early in life as possible. Being overweight contributes to many health risk factors like diabetes and heart disease. Many young people face higher health risks for disease than their parents. In 2010, the World Health Organization (WHO) claims that over 40 million children in the world are obese, and it can be prevented.
If parents wish to do something about child obesity they can limit sedentary activities and encourage exercise and healthy eating habits. Several times a week, turn off the televisions and computers and go outdoors and have some fun together. Parents can tell their kids to eat better and exercise but if they are not setting the right example, there are few chances for success.
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