One of the most serious problems facing the youth today is childhood obesity. In America child obesity statistics showed that there are more than 23 million child obesity cases and the figure is rapidly increasing as the days go by. The problem of obesity in children is now being considered by medical experts as an epidemic and the statistics on childhood obesity is at an all-time high.

Because of the alarming increase in the number of kids who have some weight issues and in the process become obese, this will make them predisposed to certain diseases that would greatly jeopardize their health. Young ones who eat unhealthy and have a sedentary lifestyle are bound to become obese and the effects are negative and this would result in diseases and illness that will surely affect overweight minors.

In the present time nearly one third of all kids in America would be in an early risk of having Type 2 diabetes, heart disease, stroke and high blood pressure. Due to this, many programs have been designed to address the issue of excess weight among kids to provide solutions and help to resolve this growing problem. Private and government organizations are dedicated to uplift the situation of our kids and committed in helping and assisting families to combat child obesity.

FACTS that contribute to overweight children:

1. Over 4 decades the increase among children aged 6 to 11 is 5 times greater. Medical experts say that if child obesity continues to grow at this rate then it will be the first time in the history that kids in this generation would live shorter than their parents.
2. The average American teenager eats in fast food joints twice a week.
3. Nearly 3 out of 10 high school seniors eat vegetables on a daily basis.
4. In a recent study conducted on 200 neighborhoods, it showed that there were 3 times as many supermarkets in wealthier communities than poor neighborhoods leaving fast food restaurants as their only options for quick meals.
5. Almost one in four kids does not participate in any physical activity during free time.
6. About 92% of elementary schools don’t have regular daily physical classes the whole year. And only less than 25% of high school students participate in physical education classes in school.
7. Some 4 to 5 hours of TV watching, using the computer and video playing are the usual activities of American youth today.
8. The indirect cost in America is $56 billion dollars annually (such as being absent from work and future earnings losses).
9. Treatments for obesity in kids is 3 times much higher than for a normal child’s healthcare program.
10. People who are severely overweight will depend more on medical health care than smokers.

Children and obesity is a major concern not only for families but also for companies who provide health insurance because obesity will definitely affect any employee’s coverage which will turn out to be more expensive. The amount of a health plan will increase with employees who have children that are seriously overweight.

How to prevent childhood obesity: there are several practical ways a parent can prevent the onset of obesity in their sons and daughters. Preventing this at an early stage is very important so that changes can be easily incorporated in the child’s lifestyle.

• Eat a well balance diet in your home. Stop serving them meals that contain greasy foods and lack the vital nutrients that they truly need. It is not what they want but it is what they need.

• Encourage and motivate them to engage in any physical activity. There are many practical ways to do this like getting them into sports or encourage them to play outside rather than let them spend hours sitting in front of the TV. Be proactive for them.

• Make meal time a family bonding time. Instead of having dinner while watching TV, use this time to communicate and bond with your children.

• Gather as much information you can about this problem. Truly this time knowledge is power. The more you know the more you learn how to prevent this in your family. Read more articles about this and for sure you will prevent obesity in your family. Reading more about children’s weight problem, any article would bring enlightenment and for sure this would help you and your child.

• Be a good example to your children. Leading by example is the surest way of getting your message across. Incorporate daily exercises in your family’s lifestyle and let them know the amazing benefits of having regular physical activity.

• Find out more ideas on how to prevent obesity and follow it so that you will know what to do and how to start a regimen that will encourage weight loss for kids. Overweight children would require special attention and tender loving care and your support is very crucial at this point in time.

  The causes of childhood obesity should be addressed immediately so that bad habits and behaviors are corrected in a much earlier stage. Identifying and understanding the root cause of the matter will help in preventing childhood obesity. Get professional help when needed like counseling and rehabilitation so that the much needed childhood obesity solutions are presented to you will guide you through the fight against obesity.