Fat Kids - We Have Become a Nation of Obese Teenagers

World Wide Web | Fat Kids - We Have Become a Nation of Obese Teenagers | Our streets and malls are populated by fat kids. Today's society is obsessed with personal appearance, and all too many people look upon being overweight as a matter of good looks. But being overweight is more of a severe health issue. Many health issues arise from being overweight including the potential for heart attack, stroke and diabetes. This same condition may also affect the individual's joints, breathing, sleep habits, and overall mood.

A nation of Fat People 

The National Institutes of Health reports that more than 1/3 of the U.S. population is now considered to be not just over-weight, they are obese. This is a term no one relishes as a description of their physical appearance, yet the fact remains that we have become a nation of fat people with fat kids.

A recent figure published by a health care source indicates that 17% of our teenage population also ranks as obese. A trip to the mall or a walk down many city streets verifies this number, although I think it is probably on the low side.

Why do people become overweight? 

Some studies indicate that obesity tends to run in families. Fat parents often have fat children in tow. Some researchers tell us that some people have a genetic tendency to gain weight more easily than others because their metabolism is much slower to burn calories. But face it folks, if a person doesn't over-indulge in high calorie meals, they won't have to worry about burning off the excess. Many experts refer to this problem as an "epidemic of obesity." And it is running out of control.

And the Villain is... 

The villain, if there ever was one, is a bounty of low-nutrition snacks, high-calorie, bigger plates-full of food and sugar-loaded drinks all coupled with sedentary-live styles.

In some cases food is a panacea for other problems like stress, depression and other emotional disorders. Eating is an attempt to put problems out of mind-but this tactic seldom works.

A Healthy Diet and Some Physical Activity 

A healthy diet backed up by a degree of physical activity will aid considerably in weight control. Most people know this-but they seem to ignore it.

The High Cost of Obesity 

Being overweight or obese contributes significantly to the monetary cost of this sort of indulgence. The cost for treatment of the myriad problems from obesity exceeds $150 billion per year. So fat or thin, the entire population ends up footing part of this bill.

Not too long ago, type 2 diabetes was rare in children, but it now accounts for outrageous percentages among children aged 8-18.

Tips for a Healthy Life Style 

Maintaining a healthy life style is no simple proposition, but unless one is followed, obesity and its typical side effects are certain to follow.

Some simple tips to weight-control are: 

• Cut back on the sodas consumed each day. A 12 ounce soda is less harmful than the 18 ounce size. 

• Eliminate low-nutrition, high-calorie snacks. Eat more nuts. Limit salt intake 

• Take short walks every day and use the stairs instead of the elevator or escalator 

• Watch the carbohydrates. French fried potatoes and onions are a big part of the problem 

• Reduce the "screen time." Limit the time spent on the computer and watching TV.

Parents: Think - If it is to be it is up to me! 

Regulating an individual's weight, particularly among children, is no easy task. Gaining the child's cooperation will take a dedicated and sincere effort on the part of parents. And remember that children learn by example. Take a good hard look at the example you are giving you child. If the parent loses weight, this example will provide a bonus of dividends for your child. Show your child the value of living a healthy life style.