SANChildhood Obesity
Childhood Obesity: One third of children in the U. S. is overweight or obese, and this number is continuing to rise. Preventing kids from becoming overweight means making choices in the way your family eats and exercises, and how you spend time together. Helping kids lead healthy lifestyles begins with parents who lead by example. What Causes Obesity in Children? The most common causes are genetic factors, lack of physical activity, unhealthy eating patterns, or a combination of these factors. Only in rare cases there may be a medical condition such as a hormonal problem. Today, the average child spends approximately four hours each day watching television. As computers and video games become increasingly popular, the number of hours of inactivity may increase. What Health Problems Can Obesity Cause? Obesity puts kids at risk for medical problems that can affect their health now and in the future. These include serious conditions like type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure and high cholesterol — conditions all once considered adult diseases. They are also at risk for: Bone and joint problems Shortness of breath that makes any physical activity more difficult. Breathing problems at night such as obstructive sleep apnea. A tendency to mature…