Obese Childen - Who will save them from an early death?

Fat kids today are expected to die long before their Moms and Dads. That's an awful thought. So, how can we stop this face-stuffing, calorie-gobbling race to the grave?

Whose responsibility is it to stop children from eating themselves to death? Our kids? The parents? The government? Or the food industry?

The Kids

It is unreasonable to expect kids to monitor their own eating habits. They are taught daily that the Golden Arches (McDonald's) gives you the break you deserve, that highly-sugared breakfast cereals are a great way to start your day, and that he-men stuff their faces with hydrogenated oil-drenched potato chips.

The kids can only emulate what they see. And what they see are their adult role models eating low quality junk food disguised as wholesome food. So, why shouldn't they do the same?

The Parents

Not a lot of hope there. The majority of today's parents of small children were raised on fast food. Fast food meant instant gratification and good times. Why would they deny their youngsters something that made them happy?

The Government

Kudos to the New York City Health Board for recently outlawing hydrogenated fats (trans fats) in New York City's food outlets.
http://www.nyc.gov/html/doh/html/cardio/cardio-tra nsfat.shtml
But other government agencies, at all levels, are still hemming and hawing over who should take responsibility for our kids' burgeoning waistlines.

The Food Industry

Now there's a thought. But in spite of the efforts by fast food joints like McDonald's to add better choices to its menus like fruits, yogurt, and salads, children still opt for the fat-laden burgers and chicken nuggets. As long as those items remain on the menu, our kids will continue their unhealthy trek towards to obesity.

The Reality

Obesity in our children, while just an unsightly problem now, is destined to become one of the most costly health care problems our world has ever seen. Our kids will continue to pack on the pounds, beating their parents to the grave, unless major changes are made to our food industry: to its food ingredients, its menus, and to its advertising.

Learn more about this author, Sheree Zielke.
Click here to send author comments or questions.

---

Add your voice

Know something about Obesity in children: Addressing the problem?
We want to hear your view. Write now!