Child obesity is becoming a major problem to the nation. As everyday goes by, the rate of obesity in children is increasing quickly. Obesity is rapidly spreading all across the world, but it is most common in areas where fast food is common. Today, around 27 million children are overweight, on the way to becoming obese, in the United States (1-Mayo Clinic Staff). If we want to protect the children of the world, then it’s time to take a stand and start helping them lose weight.
So what causes child obesity? A person is referred to as “obese” when they have too much fat in their body. We see overweight children everyday, but how does it happen? Most obesity is caused by little exercise and unhealthy eating habits even though hormonal causes can cause obesity as well.
Child obesity holds many risks. For one, the risk of death is earlier for overweight children than healthy ones. Also, obesity could follow an adolescent through to adulthood. This is particularly harming because of the late adult problems such as diabetes, and other heart problems (2-Van Voorhees). If we want to keep children healthy, it’s our responsibility to take a stand and do something about it.
One person who is definitely taking action and helping obese kids lose weight is Shaquille O’Neal of the Miami Heat (NBA). “Shaq” is featured on an ABC television show that airs every Tuesday about six very obese children and their quest to lose weight. Shaq is trying to help the kids lose weight by using new diet plans, daily exercise, and moral support. Aside from helping only these six kids, Shaq is discovering how unhealthy school lunches really are, and what he can do to help. Tyler Florence, a gourmet chef stepped in to help Shaq. After seeing the French fries, vending machines, and over oiled pizza, Tyler set out to help out school lunch ladies. Tyler showed the ladies how to make meals that are healthy and enjoyable for picky eaters. Pasta salad, turkey wraps, and veggie pizza are just a few of the options Tyler offered to the ladies. By dedication and hard work, Shaq is proving that anything can be done.
So now that we know the risks, causes, and problems of child obesity, it’s time to learn how to prevent it. One thing that any kid needs is a role model. As Shaq was a role model for six kids, you can be a role model for your very own. Eat healthy, exercise, and don’t push your child too hard. It’s important to respect your child’s capabilities and not push them to the maximum extent. Play a pick-up football game with your whole family, or go to the park and play Frisbee. These fun activities can definitely get your child moving, and let them enjoy becoming healthy.
Making healthy changes in your family can be tough. Money and time issues seem to be the problem for most people. The only way something can be accomplished is with a positive attitude and support from people. Encourage your family that the changes you make will be for the better and will help everyone in your family, not just overweight people. When healthy eating and physical activities are in your family for a while, they will become a lifestyle plan rather than a diet. It’s important to help your family become healthy, change for the better, and show that anything is possible with support.
1- Mayo Clinic Staff. “Childhood Obesity.” Mayo Clinic. 31 Mar. 2006. Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research. 18 July 2007.
2- Van Voorhees, Benjamin W. “Weight Problems and Children.” Medline Plus. 24 Jan. 2006. American Accreditation HealthCare Commission. 18 July 2007.
So what causes child obesity? A person is referred to as “obese” when they have too much fat in their body. We see overweight children everyday, but how does it happen? Most obesity is caused by little exercise and unhealthy eating habits even though hormonal causes can cause obesity as well.
Child obesity holds many risks. For one, the risk of death is earlier for overweight children than healthy ones. Also, obesity could follow an adolescent through to adulthood. This is particularly harming because of the late adult problems such as diabetes, and other heart problems (2-Van Voorhees). If we want to keep children healthy, it’s our responsibility to take a stand and do something about it.
One person who is definitely taking action and helping obese kids lose weight is Shaquille O’Neal of the Miami Heat (NBA). “Shaq” is featured on an ABC television show that airs every Tuesday about six very obese children and their quest to lose weight. Shaq is trying to help the kids lose weight by using new diet plans, daily exercise, and moral support. Aside from helping only these six kids, Shaq is discovering how unhealthy school lunches really are, and what he can do to help. Tyler Florence, a gourmet chef stepped in to help Shaq. After seeing the French fries, vending machines, and over oiled pizza, Tyler set out to help out school lunch ladies. Tyler showed the ladies how to make meals that are healthy and enjoyable for picky eaters. Pasta salad, turkey wraps, and veggie pizza are just a few of the options Tyler offered to the ladies. By dedication and hard work, Shaq is proving that anything can be done.
So now that we know the risks, causes, and problems of child obesity, it’s time to learn how to prevent it. One thing that any kid needs is a role model. As Shaq was a role model for six kids, you can be a role model for your very own. Eat healthy, exercise, and don’t push your child too hard. It’s important to respect your child’s capabilities and not push them to the maximum extent. Play a pick-up football game with your whole family, or go to the park and play Frisbee. These fun activities can definitely get your child moving, and let them enjoy becoming healthy.
Making healthy changes in your family can be tough. Money and time issues seem to be the problem for most people. The only way something can be accomplished is with a positive attitude and support from people. Encourage your family that the changes you make will be for the better and will help everyone in your family, not just overweight people. When healthy eating and physical activities are in your family for a while, they will become a lifestyle plan rather than a diet. It’s important to help your family become healthy, change for the better, and show that anything is possible with support.
1- Mayo Clinic Staff. “Childhood Obesity.” Mayo Clinic. 31 Mar. 2006. Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research. 18 July 2007
2- Van Voorhees, Benjamin W. “Weight Problems and Children.” Medline Plus. 24 Jan. 2006. American Accreditation HealthCare Commission. 18 July 2007
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