For Kids
What is it?
Today's children are increasingly struggling with their weight. Obesity is much more serious than a few extra pounds; it is when someone is very overweight. Children tend to start showing obesity around age 5. Health is one of the main reasons obesity causes concern. It can cause diabetes, high blood pressure and increased risk of heart disease. Heart disease is when parts of the heart stop performing as well as they are supposed to. This is scary especially considering the most common age to suffer from heart disease is over 65. Obesity in adults also increases the chance of these health problems. So what is the problem with being an obese child? Well 80% of obese children are obese as adults.
Causes and Prevention
A child trying to decide what choice to make.
There are many causes of obesity. Some we can't control but others we can. The most common causes are lack of exercise and poor diet. The solution to these causes is to improve diet and lifestyle. Lifestyle changes can include less "screen time" (time spent watching television, on the computer, or playing video games) and making healthier choices. When given the choice between fruits and vegetables and potato chips, choose the fruits and vegetables.
Things along the lines of genetics, medical problems, and stressful and emotional events can cause excessive weight gain. These have more complicated solutions if any. For example some medicines and other medical conditions cause people to not be able to control their weight. Even lack of sleep can make weight management difficult.
Things along the lines of genetics, medical problems, and stressful and emotional events can cause excessive weight gain. These have more complicated solutions if any. For example some medicines and other medical conditions cause people to not be able to control their weight. Even lack of sleep can make weight management difficult.
