It's very sad to think of all the people who battle with obesity in the United States. The problem has escalated as more and more people turn the other way and continue to eat processed, unhealthy foods. The worst part about this epidemic, is that the bad habits are being passed down to the children of our future.

I wish more people could understand how serious this is, but still so many do not care. First and foremost, this is a health issue hands down. Our bodies are not meant to function at the best capacity when they are stressed with excess weight. This also brings greater risks of heart problems, cholesterol problems, diabetes, and many other serious health issues.

In the interest of living healthy and long lives, we need to put good things in our bodies. The way a child is raised is the way a child lives. This is why it is so important for parents to teach their children how to eat healthy, serve them balanced meals, and make positive meal choices when they are given. When I was a child, I was slightly overweight. I don't really recall being fed badly but I also don't know if my Mom taught me much about eating healthy either. Now as an adult, I have trained myself to eat healthy because I see the importance of it.

Recently in society, more people have expressed the beauty of having curves and not being stick thin. I am totally in agreement with this, as there should be a happy medium. But then there is there are celebrities who are celebrating being larger. The only thing I see wrong with this, is that they are projecting the image that it's okay to be overweight. What kind of message is that sending kids? The message should be to love yourself no matter what, but to always try to improve yourself. To be unhealthy should not be celebrated.

Aside from health risks, being an obese child has it's social problems as well. We all know how cruel kids can be, and this often continues into the teenage years. There is nothing worse than being taunted by your classmates because of something you feel you have no control over. I can only assume that to be obese s to feel trapped in your own body. Children who are made fun of for their weight, risk all sorts of problems such as depression and low self esteem. Although these problems can be treated, the emotional scars can be deep.

There are a few things we can do to try to stop childhood obesity. First, I think parents need to do their part and set good examples for their children. Second, although many schools have jumped on the bandwagon, all schools need to offer healthy choices in the lunchroom and provide good nutritional ideas in health classes. And finally, society as a whole needs to promote a healthy lifestyle and what benefits come with it. This includes fast food options and commercials we see on television. Again, many restaurants have geared their focus towards healthy choices, but I think all of them should join in to change the future.

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