Examining The Problem Of Child Obesity
Many parts of the world are experiencing problems with child obesity. Children are becoming overweight at very young ages. Here is more about this worldwide concern and possible solutions.
Obesity is defined in an adult by a BMI or body mass index of 30 or greater. This number is reached by calculating the body weight’s in relation to the height. However, children need much lower body mass index numbers than adolescents and adults. A fifteen year old boy and a ten year old may have an identical BMI of 23. Yet, only the ten year old is considered obese, while the teen is normal.
Child obesity is not localized to one area of the world. However developing countries like Mexico, the US, and the UK, are experience the most problems. Today’s children are getting less and less exercise than just a decade or so before. The popularity of video games is one reason for sedentary lifestyles among children. One burns up little energy while playing hours of video games.
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.
Most kids consume too many calories because of the availability of foods high in fat and sugar. Junk foods are becoming cheaper as they are mass produced. Fast foods are very convenient for many families with working parents. Many people simply do not have time to prepare meals and sit and eat as a family. In fact, it may be cheaper to have a fast food meal than to cook a nutritious meal.
Obese children face the possibility of many kinds of health concerns that can shorten lifespan. These health problems limit one’s self image and can cause many emotional disorders. In the year 2010, the World Health Organization estimates than over forty million children in the world are overweight, and this problem is preventable.
If parents wish to do something about child obesity they should start with limiting sedentary activities and providing kids with healthier foods. Kids need more outdoor time to enjoy the weather and play. Parents cannot simply order their kids to have more exercise. They should lead by example. Children are more apt to follow directions if their parents are proper role models.
Looking to find the best information on Child Obesity, then visit http://obesityfacts.org/ to find the latest information on What is Obesity.