The Root Causes of Childhood Obesity

When we look around and see so many overweight children, the question arises as to why there is such a huge number of obese children. In an effort to determine the basics, we have to consider causes of childhood obesity like improper diet and exercise. If children are instructed in proper nutrition and become involved in physical activity, there would be fewer cases of childhood obesity. Statistics indicate as much as 70% of all obese children become overweight adults and it falls on the shoulders of all parents to assist in child obesity prevention. In the battle of the bulge, the first step to having healthy children falls offering a good role model.

A Growing Cause

All someone has to do is watch the latest commercial or walk through the local store to get an idea as to some of the causes of childhood obesity. Advertisers would not be hired if they were not good at their job. It has been a longstanding practice to use characters familiar to children in products being sold. The idea is to create a demand from the child that is passed on to a parent. The end result is the purchase of the product being sold. Nothing is more evident than in food and drinks full of sugar and fat. These same products are usually easy to prepare which can appeal to a busy parent that has worked all day. The problem is, these same food items can be one of the causes of childhood obesity today. While the coolest cereal box in the world will probably still tempt children, it is up to the parent to purchase the item. As an aid to child obesity prevention, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.

Forming a Pattern

Avoiding a child’s temptation at the grocery store is easier said than done. They not only learn by what is seen around them, but what they see in those they admire. Good habits begin at home. If children are taught at a young age about proper nutrition and learn to enjoy foods that are good for them they are less likely to make bad choices when away from home. Offering healthy snacks instead of candy from the beginning will help avoid choosing a candy bar while staying at a friend’s house. Eating meals together can be a form of education that establishes a bond, both in good choices on the table, and off. If this tool is used correctly, children can enjoy such things as fruit and vegetables. In setting the standard in prevention of childhood obesity may very well establish the road to success in other areas of a child’s life.

Physical Activity

Just as a child is taught proper nutrition as a means of preventing childhood obesity, so does physical activity. While running down the grocery aisle does not necessarily constitute exercise, offering solutions in establishing a healthy physical activity does. As a companion to proper diet in the war against childhood obesity, helping your child learn about basic exercise skills will be just as beneficial. While a game of chase is just as good as a martial arts class when it comes to exercise, the main idea is to help children root out their own causes of childhood obesity.
Overweight Kids