Children Obesity |
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Problems
associated with body weight are increasing at an alarming rate,
especially with our younger population. Children and teens have never
been heavier. One in four American children is now considered
overweight and at risk for future health problems.
Potential Causes of Weight Gain Many people may jump to the conclusion that their child's problems
with obesity are genetic. It is true that in some people some causes of
weight gain are genetic, but primary causes tend to be associated with
our environment, including lifestyle habits, sedentary activity levels,
frequency of eating out, and a high abundance of convenience and
empty-calorie foods. Busier lifestyles are also to blame. Many
households consist of working parents, with no one taking primary
responsiblity for regular grocery shopping, meal planning, and food
preparation. Convenience-type foods, take-out orders, fast foods, and quick meals
have taken over at mealtime. A decline of home-cooked dinners has also
been observed. In all cases these trends are leading our younger
generation to a higher consumption of fat and a decreased intake of
lean meats, lower-fat dairy foods, and complex carbohydrates, including
whole grains, fruits, and vegetables. Poor eating habits and low levels of physical activity are the
primary causes of excessive weight gain in children today. We also know
that children are spending more and more time in front of the computer,
surfing the Internet, watching television and cable programs, and
testing the latest video games. These indoor (and sedentary) activities
are taking our children away from outdoor play, bike riding, and other
sports and physically active programs. |
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