- Welcome Guest |
- Publish Article |
- Blog |
- Login
An inspiring author wrote an article on child obesity, and whither the parents be held accountable. I felt that they should, but too late my comment answered, too late to add an addendum. If the children are obese, what do the parents look like?
Obesity is an international problem, and diet programs, cashing in. But is it fair to expect children to eat different food to their parents, the parents imparting advice on weight when they are twenty percent over? The proverbial “pot calling the kettle black” comes to mind. Should these parents not be encouraging their children by being an example?
Obese children more than often have obese parents, if this is not the case, then the child needs to see a Doctor, there's an underlying problem.
Now I don't want to advocate what others must do, specially when slightly over weight myself. What I have noticed in my case, weight has gone hand in hand with income. Before semi-retirement when fully employed my weight climbed, since the change, my weight has dropped. The fact that my income has dropped as well as weight tells me they're related. More money, too lazy to make food, purchase what you feel like. Less money, have to make food and do with less, weight drop.
Shopping now being a joint venture with the wife, hilarious, I pack in she packs out. All the things I yearn for, no longer affordable on the budget we have set. Bargains, top of the list, but only if healthy food, sweets and cakes never seem to make it into the basket. Where she pushed the big trolley when shopping, now it's a double level basket with only enough room for a few items.
Have we changed our diet? No, but she now only cooks enough for two plates, no more second helpings, no more over eating, no need to loosen the belt after a meal. We both seem healthier for it, and I, certainly more energetic, even to feeling younger. She now makes the biscuits we always bought, “much cheaper” I'm told, only difference, when we opened a bought packet, we finished it. Now I get given a few on a plate with no extras. The changes obvious, I no longer stuff myself with the niceties of life, so I lose weight.
The solution to over weight children, cut the income of the parents, repossess their credit cards, tax them heavier than others. Do what ever necessary to stop them spending on the wrong things. I know this will bring comment that they have earned it, they can spend it, I agree, but when they are dead, the poor children have to sit with their own health problems that they can only blame on the parents, and no one else.
When little girls ask their mothers why they can't model, do they tell them “because we fed you incorrectly”? Little boys unable to play sport because they are over weight “sorry our fault”?
Children of the correct weight, have a healthier body, sharper mind and spirit. Adults they same goes for you.
Rob, I'm not so sure about that! I know how difficult it is to lose each pound -- by choice, yes, but difficult choices. I suspect a lot of support for kids in school would be helpful. As in teaching proper food and exercise. Well written -- so I'm linking to your article! thanks - blessings, Cynthia
You're welcome, Rob. Keep on writing! blessings, Cynthia
Once again you have summarised your point perfectly. Have to agree!
Thanks Heather, deleted it twice, could not make up my mind to send for approval or not. Following AJ's article, mine seemed to pale in comparison, but in the end "what the hell, publish."
No, a worthy article.I just published one today I thought twice about too but I do believe the right people find the right thing at the right time!
Thanks Tracy, maybe more money needs to be spent educating adults and not children?
Settle down Rob or you'll have all us lady followers excited!
I second what AJ said. And it starts with the parents. They need to set the example for their kids. The thing I can not figure out is why are there more overweight kids in the lower income brackets. I thought they were on a fixed income. I'm I missing something here?
Daniel, it is my opinion that highly processed foods lead to obesity. Locally, I can buy a box of macaroni and cheese for 39 cents. Kids love it and the quantity it makes is enough for a meal. For people on very tight budgets, that and perhaps a package of 89 cent hot dogs (of the WORST quality) may be dinner for a family of 6. A very cheap meal to stretch the dollar, and the family may think it healthy enough with grains, dairy, and meat. However, there is so much fat and sodium, it is awful. Eat enough cheap meals like this and you will definitely be overweight, and probably high blood pressure! Again, just my opinion.
How did you do that, manage to get your reply between mine in answer to Daniel, are you also a computer wizard?
Yes AJ and you have a point, why so many on the low income brackets? processed food, fatty food, probably very little sweets, but while white bread and the likes remains a cheap commodity and easy to make a sandwich then fat kids there will be. This is not rocket science, lower income brackets may have both parents battling to make a living, kids at home alone, told to eat bread "make a sandwich" with no supervision about, that's what they do and that's all they eat. No healthy food intake, parents, both having to work, return home tired and weary with no motivation to cook a healthy meal resort to C... eating, obesity here we come.
I love your opinion piece and I'm happy I inspired you as you have for some of my articles. Here in the states, I see more overweight people in the lower income brackets than the higher ones, although I admit that the problem is across all income levels. I believe that the more cheap processed food people eat (including fast food), the more overweight they are. Although at the higher income bracket I see obese people who eat out 5 or more times a week at nicer restaurants, so perhaps as you say eating outside the home is a large contributor. I am a firm believer that home cooked meals are the healthiest and the more food from scratch you eat the better.
Agreed AJ you are so wise, fresh food. Is there not a chef in England trying to get healthier meals for school kids? My article merely opinion, fact, education and more of it. Awareness of the health risks is what is needed. Major campaigns are under taken to fight AIDS, maybe what is required, the same for food. Then having said that, the campaigns for AIDS does not appear to work, so why waste money, maybe spend it on good healthy food for kids.
Article Views: 2494 Report this Article