Child obesity is becoming a major problem for many countries. Many children are struggling with weight problems at earlier ages than ever before. Here is a closer look at this problem and what can be done about it.
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 becoming a worldwide problem. However, it is greatest in developing countries like the United States, Mexico, and the United Kingdom. Children are becoming less active than just a few years ago. Part of this is due to the many activities that do not require physical exertion. For example, many kids spend hours in front of a television playing 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.
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.
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 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 becoming a worldwide problem. However, it is greatest in developing countries like the United States, Mexico, and the United Kingdom. Children are becoming less active than just a few years ago. Part of this is due to the many activities that do not require physical exertion. For example, many kids spend hours in front of a television playing 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.
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.
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 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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