Obesity is one of the fastest growing diseases affecting children today. Being an overweight child can contribute to many other health problems. The American Academy of Pediatrics has determined that there is a high probability that an overweight child will become an overweight adult. It is the job of our local communities and national organizations to educate and prevent future health problems resulting from obesity.

Diseases such as Hypertension and Diabetes have been directly related to Obesity. Other disorders, such as hypothyroidism and asthma, can also contribute to obesity in children. If your thyroid gland is not working properly, the overall functioning of your body will decrease. A respiratory disorder can also slow down the proper functioning of the human body, causing children to wheeze and move slowly. If children are too tired to exercise or complete their daily activities, they will gain weight. An overweight child has probably already been diagnosed or will be diagnosed with these health disparities in the future.

Children must live active lifestyles to stay physically fit and healthy throughout adulthood. The American Medical Association recommends that people get at least thirty minutes of continuous cardiovascular exercise every day. This includes children, who actually spend most of their day in front of a screen, such as a computer or a video game. Daily exercise not only keeps children fit but also boosts their immune systems to fight infections and other diseases that can affect their bodies. Encourage your children to participate in a sporting activity such as swimming, jogging or playing tennis to increase their metabolism so they can burn calories to lose weight.

Proper eating habits also lower the risk of childhood obesity and reduce the chances of becoming overweight as an adult. Everyone should eat adequate portions of the five basic food groups daily and refrain from cooking their food in fats and oils. Eating the right portions will reduce excessive caloric intake and make you responsible for the foods you eat from each food group. It is best to cook your food with natural seasonings such as bell peppers, garlic, and onions to reduce adding extra salt to your meals.

We can overcome Childhood Obesity with the right education and motivation. Parents should also take their children to the pediatrician for their regular checkups to make sure their health is improving. This can reduce the rate of adult obesity, thereby lowering the total cost of health care and increasing the value of life. We can make a difference in our children’s future by making changes to their exercise and eating habits today.