In the United States one out of three children is either overweight or obese, which clearly poses a number of problems for law makers, health services, the individuals concerned and society at large. Being overweight or obese can reduce a person's quality of life as well as shortening their life, since they are at greater risk of developing heart disease, diabetes and various cancers than someone who is a healthy weight. As more people get heavier, the greater the economy and health provision will suffer, particularly as overweight children are likely to become overweight adults if changes are not made to their lifestyle habits when they are young and before their weight begins to seriously affect their well-being.

Unfortunately, as it stands, there are an increasing number of children turning into obese adolescents who appear to have no control over their weight, with some opting for bariatric surgery out of desperation to lose weight. It seems that not only are more children becoming obese, but the cases of obesity are becoming more severe, so that the negative health effects of obesity are being felt before these children even reach adulthood. Consequently, for some teenagers surgery seems to be the only option to reclaim their lives, lose the excess weight, and get fitter and healthier. However, if they had never got into this situation in the first place it would be a lot better for everyone.

It is not just a simple case of greed, though, that creates obese children and, later on, obese adults. Parents have to take some responsibility for the habits they instil in their children, as it is not unusual for obese children to have parents who are obese. If parents are unable to manage their own weight, there is a good chance that they will struggle trying to get their children to adopt habits which can help them to manage their weight. Genetics clearly play a significant role in determining whether a child is liable to succumb to obesity, but it is environmental and cultural factors which exacerbate the situation.

Weight gain comes about as a result of consuming more calories than are being expended, and thus parents who allow their children to eat junk food whenever they want and who do not make them exercise on a regular basis are making it likely that their children will slip into obesity. These are habits that children will carry with them throughout their lives, which is why so many obese children are becoming obese as adults - they simply do not know any different. It is much easier to tackle weight issues when children are younger and more adaptable than when their health is already starting to suffer due to their weight, and when these habits are so entrenched in their mind that they are extremely difficult to tackle.

Not all obese children turn into obese adults, but if something is not done to address the lifestyle habits of children who are predisposed to obesity they may be on a slippery slope with regard to their weight. It is therefore the responsibility of parents to educate themselves about diet and exercise, particularly if they also struggle with their weight, and get their children to lead more active lives and consume fewer calories. If something is done to address the situation whilst their children are young it will be less of a problem when they reach adolescence, a time which can be especially difficult for overweight individuals, and when they eventually reach adulthood.

Learn more about this author, Michelle Wilkinson.
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