Child And Adult Obesity

Child And Adult Obesity

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Obesity has unfortunately become a global pandemic affecting the existence of millions of people, according to the World Health Organization. It is an accelerating social problem in many countries of the world, especially those more affluent.

Here are the fitness and nutrition facts regarding childhood obesity:

Childhood obesity affects children in the same ways that obesity affects adults. Children who are overweight are more likely to develop diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, depression, lowered self esteem, and breathing disorders such as asthma and sleep apnea.

Conditions that were once thought to be present only in adult populations are now being diagnosed in children. This would include conditions such as high cholesterol (hyperlipedemia), type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, and gall bladder disease.

Children who have overweight parents are more likely to be overweight

Inactive children are more likely to grow up to be inactive adults

Physical exercise is strongly influenced by family patterns. Girls with active mothers are more likely to engage in regular physical exercise and boys who are involved in community sports programs are more likely to grow up to be men who engage in regular physical exercise.

Lower income and education levels correlate to lower physical exercise levels in developed countries.

Portion sizes shown in print and television advertising are as much as three times larger than is needed to meet energy needs.

Obesity during adolescence has been found to increase adult mortality.

Childhood obesity has been linked to the consumption of soft drinks or soda pop.

Food and beverage companies in the US spent 1.6 million dollars (2006) marketing their products to children and adolescents. The amount of money spent to market soft drinks was 43 times the amount spent to market fruits and vegetables.

Families who eat their meals together are more likely to make healthier food choices that include the recommended daily allowances of all food groups.

A depressed mood is strongly associated with childhood obesity. Research suggests however that the depressed mood is a result of the obesity and not the cause of it.

Breastfeeding has been found to protect against obesity in later life.

Inadequate sleep has been correlated to higher obesity rates in children. Even as much as an extra hour of sleep every night can lower the risk of childhood obesity by 30%.

Television and computer screen time has been linked to childhood obesity. When screen time approaches 4 hours per day a child is more likely to be overweight.

Children view between 12 and 21 commercials daily for food and beverage products.

Television advertising of food and beverages directed towards children are usually for products that are high in calories, sugar, sodium, and fat.

Just as with adults, children need to incorporate the twin elements of proper diet and regular exercise in order to remove their excess fat and reduce their body weight. This will usually require lifestyle changes in the way they eat, exercise, and how often they do sedentary activities, like playing video games and working or surfing on the computer. Incorporating lifestyle changes is usually easier to do with younger children, and the good habits they develop usually carry on into their teen years and beyond.

About the Author:
Read About Fast Weight Loss also Read about Benefits of Lap Band Surgery and Child and Adult Obesity



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