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by: PeterWhittington
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According to a 2007 report by the Trust for American's Health, approximately 25 million children ages of 6 to 17 in the United States are either overweight or obese. Child obesity is increasing and it is considered by many to be an epidemic in developed Western countries such as Australia, Canada England andthe United States.

Childhood obesity is a very real issue that is affecting millions of children each day and many parents do not realize how serious it is. Paediatricians are becoming concerned about health problems among children that were rare in the past and this can be attributed to the increasing rate of child obesity. Poor quality of life, poor self-esteem and impaired social skills as well as a myriad of health complications can also be attributed to the increase in child obesity.

Obesity is present when total body weight is more than 25 percent fat in boys and more than 32 percent fat in girls. This is calculated using body mass index (BMI). Obesity is also defined when the a person's weight is greater than 20 percent of the Ideal Body Weight (IBW).

Troubles Caused from Obesity

Obesity is so dangerous because of the effect it has a broad range of other diseases. It increases their severity or causes them. It is also associated with high triglycerides and decreased HDL cholesterol, and is the major cause of type 2 diabetes. Insulin is the hormone that regulates blood sugar and obesity can cause insulin resistance.

Obesity is also linked to depression and problems of self image and with body dissatisfaction. It is associated with significant increases in hyperlipidemia, high cholesterol, coronary artery disease, degenerative joint disease and psychosocial disability.

It is widely recognised to be a serious medical problem resulting in myriad distressing illnesses and is associated with increased mortality and morbidity (shortening life expectancy).

Problems Caused by Child Obesity

Overweight adolescents have a 70% chance of becoming overweight or obese adults. So, being obese as a child can have a lifelong impact. They also have the same problems that adults face.

Increased average blood pressure, heart rate and cardiac output when compared to non-obese peers is a symptom on obesity in children. Teasing from their peers is often a problem with overweight children.

Being obese also affects school attendance as well, possibly leading to academic problems later. Abnormal indices of lipolysis, including high cholesterol levels (greater than 170 mg per dL) have been associated with obesity in children.

How do we tackle this Epidemic?

Childhood obesity is usually caused by kids eating too much and exercising too little. Researchers have discovered the obese children were 35% less active on school days and 65% less active on weekends compared to non-obese children. Parents need to set an example, be a role model and give their children guidance on exercise and healthy eating. Children of all ages will enjoy life better if they are taught to eat healthy foods and to get enough exercise.

If one or both parents are obese, children are more likely to be obese also. Because children and parents tend to eat the same food, parents can help their kids by addressing their own weight issues and following a healthy lifestyle that they'd like their children to emulate. Ridding their kitchens of junk foods and acting as role models by monitoring their eating habits and not eating junk will have a positive effect on theirchildren.

Another problem associated with child obesity is that the parents rarely exercise.

Participate in fun backyard sports with your children and consider taking up a sport with them or one that you practised when young.

A stressful environment, such as one where the child's parents are having marital problems, or the child is mentally or physically abused, can cause a child to turn to food. They can easily overeat at this point which can start the child on the road to obesity.

Parents also must be concerned enough to want to do something about solving their child's obesity. They can set rules for the home that help reinforce the healthy lifestyle.

Don't be lazy. Set your children a good example on exercise and healthy eating. If parents tackle the issue of childhood obesity, it will ensure that their children grow up to be happy and health adults.