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Fighting Obesity in Children Is A Battle We Must Win

Obesity in children is a growing concern for many families. Obesity means having too much body fat. Obesity in children is not something to take lightly. Childhood obesity is said to be the most serious challenge to the public health facing Americans today. In children aged two to five, obesity rates have doubled to more than ten percent and to more than fifteen percent for those aged twelve to fourteen. This problem of childhood obesity is not limited
to the United States-it is a challenge world wide where recent increases in the standard of living has allowed people to eat more and exercise less.

Health.
The physician is the person to determine whether a child's height and weight are in the healthy range, so do not hesitate to ask him. If weight loss is suggested and a diet necessary, let the whole family support the child by learning healthy eating habits. Purchasing junk foods for the rest of the family will only be a temptation and tell the rest of the children that unhealthy foods are really okay. Fast food restaurants are not a healthy choice for children who are overweight. The proposals, by the National Academies' Institute of Medicine, include healthier meals in schools and restaurants; more opportunities for physical education at schools and in communities; restrictions in television advertising to children; and education of health professionals and children to make better choices. The National Academies' Institute of Medicine proposes healthier meals in schools and restaurants; more choices of physical education at school and in the community; less television advertising aimed at children; and education of health professionals and children to make better food choices.

Overweight. Overweight and obesity in children are among the most important risks to children’s long and short-term health. It is quite likely that overweight children and adolescents will become obese as adults. Overweight parents – a family’s eating patterns can have a major influence on whether children maintain a healthy weight. When the parents are overweight, their eating habits have a tremendous impact on the ability of their children to maintain a healthy weight.

Medical

Childhood obesity is a serious medical condition that affects children and adolescents, and is usually caused by eating too much and not getting enough exercise. Although the majority of obese or overweight children have no medical complications, specific disorders can occur in the case of severe obesity and some subclinical disorders (hypertension, hypercholesterolemia, and hypertriglyceridemia, etc. Overweight children should not be put on a diet unless a physician supervises one for medical reasons. Only a physician should order and monitor a diet for an overweight child and then only for medical reasons. Overweight children
should not be put on a weight reduction diet unless a physician has prescribed it for medical reasons. If your child has a medical condition that limits physical activity, be sure to talk to the doctor about safe activities for your child. If you suspect that your child is obese, take him or her to your physician to make sure
that the obesity is not caused by a medical problem. When a child's physical activity is limited by a medical condition,
a physician can recommend safe activities. asthma), the doctor will advise on suitable activities or prescribe medication to alleviate the problem.

Prevention and management of childhood obesity is absolutely important, otherwise the condition may persist into adulthood. The control of childhood obesity is a longterm commitment that should include providing the child the tools necessary to make healthy lifestyle choices. The treatment of childhood obesity is certainly well worth the necessary efforts spent. Some medical professionals have stated, that because of obesity, the lifespan of children today will be less than their parents.

Article Source: http://www.articleadventure.com

Don M, a licensed pharmacist for 40 years, with a special interest in health and nutrition. For more interesting free articles on healthy weight-loss, visit my website.
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