Childhood Obesity

Childhood obesity in the United States has increased dramatically. According to the Center for Disease Control childhood obesity has more than tripled in the last 30 years. The largest increase has been among children in the 6 to 11 age group. While coaching competitive sports in this age group I have notice three factors than contribute to some children being overweight.

Discipline

For many children there seems to be a lack of discipline as to what is good for them. In our current lifestyle where both parents must work it is difficult to maintain proper discipline. This is not to say that children are necessarily left to their own devices. But they do have more time to consider the things they believe will make them happy.

Physical activity competition

For most children video games become a very time intense attraction. To that point, parents often use video games as a monitor to know where their children are after school. I enjoy watching kids play video games because they obviously enjoy competing against a computer. However, for many the enjoyment becomes an obsession and they spend more hours playing video games than almost any other activity. Video game designers have come out with physically interactive games in an attempt to address the lack of physical energy used by the players. Yet, it appears that most video game players enjoy most the eye-hand action while sitting. Video games are the biggest competitor to outdoor physical activity, particularly in competitive sports.

Dietary changes

In many homes when both parents work outside the home it is difficult to have the time to prepare nutritious meals on a regular basis. More often than not the occasional fast food meal becomes the norm because it is quick and convenient. Fast food on occasion is not all that bad. However, statistics show that people who eat fast food routinely have a tendency to be overweight and also have the most difficulty trying to lose weight.

Risks

According to the CDC obese children are more likely to have cardiovascular disease risk factors, such as high cholesterol or high blood pressure. It is also said that children who are obese have a higher tendency for bone and joint problems. Also, as they grow older there may be social and psychological problems. The CDC indicates that obese children are more likely than children of normal weight to become obese adults. Type 2 diabetes is a common risk for obese adults.

Plan of action

The first thing you might do is evaluate your children regarding discipline, video games and diet. Schedule an appointment with your pediatrician to validate your concerns and be sure there is no organic imbalance causing a metabolic issue.

Video game time can be a real issue. Make an effort to have some regular physical activity that involves the whole family. This can be very effective in breaking the video game obsession. Also, check out various sports activities available through your church or school where your child already has friends.

Change your diet as a family. For your children it may be necessary to seek the advice of a nutritionist for their specific needs. Find a flexible diet plan that has food all will eat or learn to like. Check various sources for information and move forward with a plan that will benefit you and your children.