Childhood Obesity Statistics
More and more individuals today are heavier than their moms or dads or even their grandparents at what time they were the same age
. It might be realized that obesity is a worldwide problem and it is indeed a very serious concern. There are even those who deem it an epidemic.One may realize that obesity is much more shocking mainly due to the fact that a great number of these obese individuals are children. Childhood obesity statistics is quite staggering. More and more children are being at risk for suffering heart attacks, strokes and diabetes at an earlier age. In order for a viable solution to be made, one has to realize that actual cause of obesity in children first.
But before anything else, here are the exact statistics. 19.6 percent of children aged 6 -11 years old are obese, while children from 12 to 19 years of age have an 18.1 obesity percentage. This numbers came from a major child obesity statistics, however, many independent studies claim that the numbers are actually much more, totaling to more than 25 percent obese children from those age groups. These numbers are already quite large and it is expected to balloon even more. But what is the cause of this staggering data?
One of the main reasons for childhood obesity is perhaps the lack of physical activity by these children. It might be noted that children from way back when was also consuming a good amount of cookies and candies, but they can usually be found playing outdoors all the time, running around, playing with peers on playgrounds and the likes. So the activity revolves around physical motions and exercise. But children these days can be found sitting in front of the television or the computer, an activity which requires very little to no physical activity at all.
Another factor that augments child obesity is poor diet. Aside from consuming cookies and candies, these children have diet of junk food and soda. Kids these days love to eat junk and fast food like burgers, fries and sodas. More and more children snack on carbonated beverages and unhealthy food choices as was previously mentioned. They don't eat fruits or vegetables perhaps simply because they're not particularly tasty unlike the junk foods which are quite tasty for these kids.
Another concern is that many families have also forgotten healthy nutrition in general. Most obese children also have obese or at the very least overweight parents. Also, perhaps due to their busy schedules they tend to place themselves and their children in unhealthy diets which the children learn to keep as well. Even though nutrition is taught at school and programs abound at such places, they cannot just reject the food provided for them at home.
But parents have to keep in mind that it is important to keep child obesity statistics down. Obese children aside from having health problems also have to deal with psychological issues that also leads them to eat and consume unhealthy food as well. Their lack of self confidence, stress and depression leads them to do this. This is more so for adolescent children who are more sensitive to their peer's critique of them.
The numbers also show that at least 33.3 percent of children consume fast food daily. But you do have to keep in mind that it is vita that children are provided with healthy snack alternatives. Remember when you were just a kid and your mom insist you eat all your vegetables or you will face consequences, so you finish your veggies even if you don't like it. These days many children aren't even offered vegetables, what's worse is there are times when the children have junk food for dinner as well.
Parents should set an example for their children. It will not be fair if the parents will eat pizza and chips while the children eats broccoli and peas. As the adult one in the house, you should eat what you want your kids to eat. Letting the children see that you are aware of healthy eating habits will make them aware as well. Even if you don't like veggies, let your child realize the importance of eating vegetables, that even if you don't like it, you eat it because it's the right thing to do.
If the society continues on this path of negligence towards healthy habits, then it will not be a surprise if the number of obese children doubles in the coming years. In order for children to learn how to live healthily, adults must take the initiative. Parents need to start changing their lives more so, their eating habits and don't let junk food rule the house and let eating healthy be the main thought throughout your household. It time to ensure a happier, healthier tomorrow for your children.
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