What parents need to know about childhood obesity, as well as how to prevent it in kids.
The obesity epidemic continues to dominate headlines—and for good reason. Obesity is a leading cause of heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, and stroke. Many of these conditions occur in adults but often begin in childhood. Knowing the facts and taking steps to help your children live a healthier lifestyle may prevent childhood obesity and its resulting complications.
The Facts of Obesity
According to the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention, 1 in 3 children in the U.S. is overweight or obese. Childhood obesity doubled in children and quadrupled in adolescents in the past 30 years. Why have we seen such a dramatic increase? Although genetics play a role and obesity runs in families, our genetics did not change in the last 30 years. What has changed is our diet and other environmental factors. The bottom line is many of us eat too much, especially sugar and processed foods, plus we are not as active as we should be. The CDC recommends that children get at least 60 minutes of physical activity a day. But in our increasingly sedentary world, children are more likely to be found playing on an iPad than on a baseball field.
Signs and Symptoms of Obesity
Due to the many health issues associated with obesity, it’s important that parents recognize both the immediate and long-term effects.
Immediate Health Effects:
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Long-Term Health Effects:
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Tips to Prevent Obesity
The good news is that a few minor lifestyle changes can help reduce the incidence of childhood obesity and improve overall health outcomes. But parents need to be mindful of what their children are eating and ensure they are getting enough physical activity. Parents should aim to:
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