As most everyone knows, childhood obesity is on the rise in America. It is estimated that tens of millions of children are either overweight or obese. What is the cause of this so-called epidemic? And how can parents and the medical world take control to lower the incidence of childhood obesity?

It is no secret that exercise that burns off the consumed calories is what keeps weight stable. Consume too many calories, and weight increases; too few, weigh decreases. This is the same for adults and children alike, although growing youngsters do require more calories to sustain healthy growth, both physically and mentally. Childhood obesity is on the rise because kids do not exercise enough, and they get their extra calories not from wholesome foods, but rather from convenience, or junk, foods.

It is widely known that childhood obesity is linked to too much junk food and not enough exercise. Speaking of the need to exercise, our lifestyles and reliance on computers, televisions, and video games for entertainment are part of the problem. Sedentary lifestyles are promoted by the high-tech; add to that some mindless snacking on empty calories, and we have created a childhood obesity epidemic.

Parents can launch an attack on childhood obesity by setting limits on not only foods that are consumed, but on sedentary activities. As parents, you are in charge of choosing and offering healthy snack and meal alternatives to fast food and junk food. If that is all you have in the refrigerator, then that is their only option. Kids are not always able to make the best choices for themselves; give them a choice between carrots and cake, and you can be pretty certain they won't pick the former.

If nothing else, understand that childhood obesity causes a number of other problems, physically and emotionally. Diseases once mostly seen in adults, like high blood pressure, diabetes, and the like, are now much more prevalent in children. This is directly linked to childhood obesity, in that the excess weight causes such strain on the body. Likewise, emotional trauma is endured by the teasing from the non-obese peers of overweight children. This can have lasting effects.

In the end, childhood obesity is a real problem facing this nation. Unlike many other problems, though, this is one that can be overcome. Parents, understand the potential risks of childhood obesity, and put an end to it now with healthy food choices and increased physical activity. Be effective role models for your children, and childhood obesity can become a thing of the past for your family.

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