Interesting Fact

According to a recent study, 40% of parents of 6 - 11 year olds who are deemed "obese" by the medical community believe that their children are, in fact, "about the right weight".

Childhood obesity is clearly a growing epidemic in our country and one look at the skyrocketing rate of diabetes in children is evidence enough. Triggered by less activity, more sedentary interests (television, computer games, etc), and poor eating habits, childhood obesity is a health crisis that will only result in more health problems into adulthood.

So why the denial from parents?

My guess...

1) No one wants to see their children in a negative light. My own daughter has mastered the art of tantrums and though her last molars came in over 6 months ago, I am still inclined to believe it is teething....wisdom teething?

2) Since obese children usually come with obese parents, admitting the problem in your kids is having to admit the problem in yourself. So, the next time I start to fume over having to wait for anything (impatience is my greatest vice), perhaps I should consider the little students around me watching my every action.

I am not discounting the very real occurences of medical conditions that slow metabolism, resulting in weight problems. Cushings Syndrom and hypothyroidism are two very real conditions that lead to seemingly uncontrollable weight gain. Emotional, psychological, and behavorial issues are also commons causes, much like those that result in bulemia and anorexia.

Though most obesity is the result of poor nutrition and limited exercise, the first solution is to face it head on: admit the problem and then take proactive steps to correct it. There is no shame in struggles, just shame in the decision to do nothing about them.

For more information on childhood obesity, check out Alliance for a Healthier Generation at:

http://www.healthiergeneration.org/?gclid=CNjzgpvEq5MCFQguHgodSDzt4w