Childhood Obesity is Plaguing The United States

Childhood Obesity

Between 16 and 33 percent of children and adolescents are obese (AACP). Childhood obesity is plaguing the United States, the problem isn't going away. Studies have shown that a child who is obese between the ages of 10 and 13 has an 80 percent chance of becoming an obese adult (AACP). Childhood obesity is a serious medical condition that affects children and adolescents. It occurs when a child is well above the normal weight for his or her age and height (Mayo Clinic). Most people don’t see obesity as a medical condition, but if parents would take it seriously there would be a lot less obese children. Parents need to take responsibility for the health of their children by providing healthy eating habits, encouraging physical activity, supporting them emotionally and know the risks of obesity.

By providing healthy food options by decreasing fatty, processed foods and developing healthy eating habits can greatly help children lose and maintain a healthy weight. Knowing what's in the food you are feeding your child is very important, making sure that you are providing the healthiest possible foods for them. Children should have one to three servings of fruits of vegetables, four to six ounces of protein, three to eight ounces of grains, and three cups of dairy everyday (United States Department of Agriculture). It's important for parents to make sure that their children are getting a well balanced meal everyday, asking their doctor for the recommended servings based on your child's age. Getting the children involved in helping the parents shop and prepare the food can help get them more interested in eating the healthy food since they helped make it. Having a colorful plate of food can help make the food more ...

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...r than normal (U.S. National Library of Medicine). Putting your child into a sport is a great way for them to get physical activity. Sports can be a great way for children to exercise that doesn’t feel like working out. With team sports they have friends that will help keep them motivated to push themselves to be better. Some children don't like sports so try other ways for them to get physical activity; hiking, swimming, going to the park, or riding a bike. There a tons of different ways for you to get your child to exercise. Parents going outside and playing with your children is a helpful way to show your child that exercise can be fun. Give your child options on what activity they want to do by themselves or with the whole family. When the whole family gets outside and exercises it shows that the parent is supporting their child by doing activities with them.