Childhood Obesity

Childhood obesity is a growing problem in America.  We as parents need to be concerned not only about our children but about ourselves as well.  Society has not changed its view on emphasizing thinness so why does this continue to be a growing problem?  One explination is genetics.  If the parents are overweight then it is more likely that the children in that family will be overweight as well.  Some scientist are looking at genetics to maybe explain obesity in some.  A group of French genetists and nutritionists found what they consider to be the cause of obesity.  The disfunction, they believe, is within the Leptin receptors which are not regulating the fat intake well (Berk). 

Another explination could be the environment that our children are growing up in.  Another study conducted by Dr. Kimberly Morland looked at urban communities and the availablility of healthy foods (2002).  She found that the seclection of foods in vairus neighborhoods related to the dominant race of that neighborhood.  So in other words it is easier to get fried chicken and a greasy hamburger when you do not have any other alternatives.  I can see this around here.  I work in south Kansas City and live in a suburb.  The quick places for me to grab lunch are not that healthy.  They are your standard: McDonald's, Burger King, KFC, Sonic, etc.  Yet closer to home I have choices like Pita Pit and Jason's Deli which have much healthier options.

Yet another explination puts the blame on technology.  Our children now have more electronics than we did when we were children.  Between television, video games, and the computer they have more than enough to keep them from getting up off the couch!  I remember growing up and not having anything but the TV.  Although that was not worth watching because you only had about 5 chanels to choose from.  Many children now do not play outside they would rather sit inside and play video games or get on the computer.  This causes a lack of physical activity.  Especially the teenagers.  They are all about the social connection and technology makes that easy for them with things like twitter and facebook.

It would seem that all of this could contribute to the rise in obesity for our children.  One thing parents can do is change not only their child's eating habbits but their own.  Children, especially young children, look up to their parents as role models.  If we start with them when they are young and throughout middle childhood they will be more likely to make the right choices when they are teenagers.  Continuing with the positive role model would be to exercise as a family.  What a better way to keep yourself active and still spent time with your children.  Put a limit on the video games, television, and computer so that they are forced to find alternatives to these low energy activities.  This will not only help with the physical health of your child but also the emotional and cognitive health.

May 13, 2003, "More Children Are Obese, and More Americans Know It", Marjorie Connelly, New York Times

November 12, 2002, "Good Health Is Linked To Grocer", Mary Duenwald