Obesity is defined as having a body mass index (weight [kg]/height [m]) 2 of over 30 with morbid obesity classified with a BMI of over 40. Childhood obesity is at an all time high. According to the U.S. Center of Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the percentage of obese children has increased by 54 percent in 6 to 11 year olds and 39 percent among 12 to 17 year olds. That is to say that 16 to 33 percent of Americans within the ages of 6 to 17 are considered obese. Unfortunately for children of the age of 7 who are obese, 40 percent of them will struggle with obesity throughout their adult lives and be faced with many health complications. As for the obese adolescents, 70 percent of them will remain obese throughout their adult life.

Eating habits as well as the level of activity in a child’s lifestyle play key roles in preventing the degenerative diseases that go hand and hand with obesi

Another cause of obesity in our young people has to do with poor eating habits in which we have accepted and continue allowing our children to follow. In most cases adults are the ones to blame for the unhealthy characteristics of a young child’s eating habits. It is the parent’s responsibility to develop a consistent and healthy eating pattern for their children. In essence, the parents must lead by example. Therefore, parents should provide their children healthy lifestyles and the appropriate schedule of daily activities.

Sedentary lifestyles are the single major reason for the rampant obesity in the US today. Children have grown accustomed to playing sports on their computer or video game console rather then actively playing them. Television also is a major contributor to obesity, not only in the hours spent sitting on a couch, but also in the fact that commercials bombard children with fast food and junk food advertisements which make a cholesterol laden burger or grease dripping pizza seem appealing. Children who watch television 5 or more hours a day are 5 times as likely to be overweight as those who watch 2 or less.

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