Childhood Obesity Causes
Children in western nations are becoming overweight and obese at an alarming rate. They are experiencing more health problems that were previously only found in adults. Type II diabetes is becoming epidemic among children, affectin 1 in every 3 children being born today.
What are the reasons for the rise in obesity. Some causes are:
1) Sedentary lifestyles. Most childhood activities consist of sitting in front of a video game, television or computer. With an unlimited supply of websites, games, DVD's and channels, there is always something of interest to watch or play. I had 3 channels on TV when I was growing up, which was why we spent most of our time playing outdoors. We also walked and took our bikes more. Now kids have remote controls, automatic car windows, and text messaging to talk with friends. There is less reason for them to move or exert themselves.
2) Portion Control. Restaurants are serving portions that are much too large for an average meal. The kids fries at McDonald's used to be the adult size when the restaurant first opened. Free or discounted offers to 'supersize' or move up to a bigger size has people taking the 'bargain' along with all the calories that comes with it. For people that are taught to eat everything on their plate, this spells big trouble.
3) Processed foods. Kids eat way too much fast food, processed food and food with little or no nutritional value. If your child eats a lot of items that come from a package, they are eating foods that have been processed, chemically treated, sugar and preservative filled, etc. Many urban kids do not have access to fresh fruits and vegetables. Kids are eating foods that are not providing nutrients they need for growing bodies. What these foods do provide is calories - mainly empty ones - that cause children to gain weight.
There are many other reasons, including psychological ones, lack of information, poor examples as set by the family, etc. Knowledge is the key to learning how much is enough, what foods they should eat and should avoid, and how to increase activity to decrease their weight.
