childhood obesity

Childhood obesity has become a social concern, however when most people think of health problems in children, they most often think of measles and not type 2 diabetes and hypertension. Today, however a large number of U.S. children are being diagnosed with obesity and the serious "adult diseases" such as type 2 diabetes that accompany overweight. U.S. children are not alone, high rates of obesity are injuring the health of an alarming number of children around the globe. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, "16 percent of children 6-19 years old are overweight or obese, a number that has tripled since 1980. In addition to the 16 percent of children and teens ages 6 to 19 who were overweight in 1999-2002, another 15 percent were considered at risk of becoming overweight" ( "prevalence of Overweight and Obesity Among Children and Adolescents: United States, 1999-2002", Oct.6,2004").

As I was looking at these statistics and facts, my concern towards childhood obesity accelerated. It took me back to my childhood. When I was growing up, most of my friends and schoolmates was either skinny or medium sized. It was not common to see an obese child. I remeber we used to spend most of our times outdoors, playing, running and doing alot of outdoor activities. Several questions come to mind, what happened to bring childhood obesity and overweight to our society? Is it eating too much, dieting inappropriately and exercising too little? it is modern technology leading to sedentary lifestyles?. I believe these questions are some of the reasons and predisposing facts towards childhood obesity.

I believe we are all responsible in eradicating childhood obesity. A good example is from our First lady Michelle Obama who kicked off her "Let's Move", " an agenda of nutrition and exercise programs designed to eliminate "the epidemic of childhood obesity"

www.childrenshospitals.net/AM/Template.cfm?
CHICAGO suntimes.com

_ Lydiah