Many areas of the world are experiencing a rise in child obesity. As children become obese at younger ages, it is becoming a serious matter. Here is additional information on this growing worldwide concern.
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 reaching epidemic proportions in many of the world's developing countries. It is considered to be a major concern in the US, United Kingdom, and Mexico. Part of the reasons for this problem is the sedentary lifestyles that many modern day children lead. For instance, it burns up few calories to sit and play video games for hours on end. Many children never take the time to go outside and play.
The popularity of the World Wide Web has brought many good things into the world. However, it also contributes to the problems of many children that are not getting enough exercise. Many kids are spending hours online as they talk to friends and classmates in chat programs. Exercise is no longer important.
Children are becoming overweight because they are eating foods high in fat, sugar, and calories. Junk foods are widely available and are very inexpensive to purchase. Also, the convenience of fast foods is tempting many families to eat these meals. If both parents are working it is much more convenient to stop at a fast food place on the way home from work. It also is cheaper than preparing a full meal.
It is important for obesity to be treated as early in life as possible. Being overweight contributes to many health risk factors like diabetes and heart disease. Many young people face higher health risks for disease than their parents. In 2010, the World Health Organization (WHO) claims that over 40 million children in the world are obese, and it can be prevented.
If parents wish to do something about child obesity they can limit sedentary activities and encourage exercise and healthy eating habits. Several times a week, turn off the televisions and computers and go outdoors and have some fun together. Parents can tell their kids to eat better and exercise but if they are not setting the right example, there are few chances for success.
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 reaching epidemic proportions in many of the world's developing countries. It is considered to be a major concern in the US, United Kingdom, and Mexico. Part of the reasons for this problem is the sedentary lifestyles that many modern day children lead. For instance, it burns up few calories to sit and play video games for hours on end. Many children never take the time to go outside and play.
The popularity of the World Wide Web has brought many good things into the world. However, it also contributes to the problems of many children that are not getting enough exercise. Many kids are spending hours online as they talk to friends and classmates in chat programs. Exercise is no longer important.
Children are becoming overweight because they are eating foods high in fat, sugar, and calories. Junk foods are widely available and are very inexpensive to purchase. Also, the convenience of fast foods is tempting many families to eat these meals. If both parents are working it is much more convenient to stop at a fast food place on the way home from work. It also is cheaper than preparing a full meal.
It is important for obesity to be treated as early in life as possible. Being overweight contributes to many health risk factors like diabetes and heart disease. Many young people face higher health risks for disease than their parents. In 2010, the World Health Organization (WHO) claims that over 40 million children in the world are obese, and it can be prevented.
If parents wish to do something about child obesity they can limit sedentary activities and encourage exercise and healthy eating habits. Several times a week, turn off the televisions and computers and go outdoors and have some fun together. Parents can tell their kids to eat better and exercise but if they are not setting the right example, there are few chances for success.
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Learn more about Adolescent Obesity. Stop by Darryl Jones's site where you can find out all about Ways To Reduce Obesity and how it can help you.
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