1 of 16

Write now Article Tools

Childhood obesity is an epidemic in our society today. So much so that hardly a week goes by that you don't hear some reference to it in the media. We are finally starting to understand the real-world dangers awaiting these kids, and it's high time we did something about it.

It used to be funny to make fun of fat kids. I don't mean that it's something anyone should do; it's wrong and hurtful. But even old sitcoms like 'Leave It To Beaver' which had Beaver's chubby pal Larry, who was always either eating or hungry, as part of the humor. The attitude was that if a kid (or any person) is fat, it means that they are a glutton and deserve scorn and ridicule.

Perhaps that was true at one time, and sometimes even now. But we have come a long way since the days of black and white TV. We now understand that some overweight people have medical conditions that cause their malady and calorie intake has little to do with it. Some are prone to obesity due to genetics, and are unable to shed pounds no matter what diets they try.

One major problem with obesity in kids now is the amount of processed foods they eat. It's not always what you might think, either: I'm not just talking about candy and potato chips. Many of the foods their families eat at meals are loaded with calories, saturated and trans fats, MSG (which is added to food to make it taste better, thus increasing the amounts eaten) and countless potentially harmful additives and preservatives.

The problem is, many people are aware of the unhealthy stuff we're eating, but aren't in any position to do much about it. Busy, frantic lifestyles lead to calling for pizza delivery or dinner at Burger King. Few of us have the time or energy to prepare healthy made-from-scratch meals like were once common.

Big business often doesn't help with their appealing kid-oriented advertising that makes children beg for unhealthy junk food. One recent news story I happened across in a magazine published by a church group really got to me. A young girl had brought home her report card from the public school she attended. Her mother was overjoyed at the excellent grades, but shocked when she noticed a sponsored ad printed on the report card. It was for a local McDonald's, and stated if she took in the report card with the ad, her child would get a free Happy Meal.

The mother was outraged. Her family did not eat junk food of any kind, and now her daughter was begging and pleading to go to McDonald's because of that ad. It was so underhanded;

• 1
• 2
• next page >>

Add your voice

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