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The facts about obesity in American children.

Childhood obesity is another scourge, hitting and rising rapidly in most industrialized nations. Childhood obesity in the last twenty years alone has doubled for children in the age ranges between six and eleven. Some studies are showing that one third of American children are overweight and are at risk for the greater trial of obesity. Childhood obesity is very troubling as it can lead to devastating consequences.

Consequences that lead to heart disease, diabetes, and other related emotional disorders as well.

Causes

There are some genetic and hormonal causes that can predispose a child to developing obesity. Diseases such as Prader-Willi syndrome and Bardet-Biedl syndrome, affect a tiny proportion of children. As far as the general population goes, over eating and poor exercise habits are to blame.

Childhood obesity could and probably should be viewed as abuse. Parent's are not the only one's to blame. I also take issue with schools that don't run regular physical education programs, that teach physical fitness, along with nutrition.

Obesity is classified as a disease. Why are parent's and educators sentencing children to such a awful fate? How hard can it be to provide a child with three balanced meals and a good dose of exercise?

Complications

Type 2 diabetes
Metabolic syndrome
High blood pressure
Asthma and other respiratory illness
Sleep disorders
Early puberty
Skin infections
Anxiety
Bullying

Looki ng at the complications of childhood obesity, i just do not understand why Parents and Educators don't take the bull by the horn and act in a responsible manner.

Treatment
No Junk Food.
3 healthy nutritious meals a day.
2 hours of exercise a day, one in school and one after school.

There is a cure for child obesity, one only has to make a choice to be active and live healthy. Children need to be taught to eat to live, not live to eat.

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Learn more about this author, Deirdre Field.
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