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Helping Your Children with Weight Control

Childhood obesity has more than tripled since 1980s.  One in 3 children and adolescents were overweight or obese by 2010! The childhood obesity problem in this country is skyrocketing out of control and causing serious danger to our children's health and creating health problems that may follow your child throughout life!

• Obese youth are more likely to have high cholesterol or high blood pressure. In a population-based study of 5 to 17-year-olds, 70% of obese youth had at least one risk factor for cardiovascular disease.
• Obese adolescents are more likely to have prediabetes, glucose levels that indicate a high risk for development of diabetes.
• Children and adolescents who are obese are at greater risk for bone and joint problems, sleep apnea, and social and psychological problems such as stigmatization and poor self-esteem.

A new study explains  the epidemic and offers insight on how to fight for your child's health. Researchers followed a group of children for 10 years. They found the average child ate 165 calories MORE than needed each day. The most overweight teens took in approximately one thousand calories more each day than needed. That's almost two big macs! The study concluded children are spending more time putting food into their mouths than exercising! So what can be done? Teach your children healthy eating habits, keep healthy fruit and veggie snacks available at home - and avoid the sugary sodas they're packed with calories!