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Disease or Type 2 Diabetes at a very young age. Researchers have found that obese children tend to have at least one additional risk factor for heart problems later in their lives such as high blood pressure and high cholesterol. Overweight children are also at a greater risk for joint problems, poor self-esteem, and sleep apnea. Putting all these together they can shorten life spans, diminish quality of life and put heavy burden on the public health system.

Losing weight and being healthy must start at home and parents need to take more responsibility for their children's health. I will be the first to admit that when I see a family of all large people I become angry because those parents are setting a bad example for their children. As I've said in previous articles parents have decided that they no longer need to take responsibility for their children or their actions and instead blame the companies like McDonalds and Burger King for making their children fat. Parents need to stand up and set ground rules for eating habits before it's too late.

Being a part of extracurricular activities such as sports or dance can significantly reduce a child's risk for Obesity and other diseases. Teaching children at a young age can help them in their future to make better food choices and will pass that along to their children when they become parents. Kenneth Stanton, assistant professor of finance at the Merrick School of Business at the University of Baltimore and chair of the Obesity Initiative, thinks there are parallels between the battle against obesity and the battle against smoking. If you look at how long it took states to ban smoking in public areas to how long it's taken them to start banning trans fat you can see the comparison. Big business is making money off of people getting fat and they're going to use all resources to ensure that remains the same even if it means risking the health of children. McDonald's recently announced it would be phasing out the use of trans fat in it's food and says it's doing it to help with the obesity issue that plagues our nation.

The fight against obesity must start from a very young age if it's taught to the children they will learn how to apply it in their everyday activities. Allowing children to participate in activities rather than sitting in front of a television or computer can start the process. In a world where technology has taken over we forget the simple things like riding a bike or playing on swings outside in the beautiful weather. People have caught on to this idea and have created tiny gyms as their called for youngsters to go and get their exercise in even when it's cold outside. Gymboree began activities for children back in 1976 and has been the most popular music and activity place for mothers and their children.

I think once we begin to concentrate on what matters in our lives such as our children, their health and our health we can begin to see a brighter more positive future. The states need to get involved and take a more proactive approach to stopping obesity at the core or root of the problem. It must begin at home and parents must be held responsible for their children and their children's health. Only then can we stop the cycle and add years on to people's lives. More time on earth means more time to enjoy with your family.

Learn more about this author, Erin Capuano.
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