Protecting Our Children From Obesity

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obeseboyvectoreatingFrom Your Health Journal…..”I wanted to promote an article in The Coloradoan entitled We must protect our children from epidemic of obesity written by Tim Flynn and Terry Gebhardt, who really hit home with their message. This web site has mentioned many times the concern over childhood obesity – as it has grown to epidemic proportions in many areas of the United States, as well as other countries. Obesity related illness such as asthma, weak joints, cancer, type 2 diabetes, and heart disease are also up. Since the article in today’s review was written in Colorado, they mention how Colorado is the least obese state in the nation with 20.7 percent of adults and 10 percent to 15 percent of children defined as obese. The authors of this article are quick to point out that nobody should be patting themselves on the back over these statistics so fast. I encourage you all to visit the Coloradoan web site (link provided below) to read the complete article. It was well written and very informative.”

From the article…..

Childhood obesity is a national epidemic. In the United States, the number of children and teenagers who are overweight or obese has tripled from 1980 to 2000 alone, and the numbers continue to grow each year.

Surveys show Colorado is the least obese state in the nation with 20.7 percent of adults and 10 percent to 15 percent of children defined as obese. Don’t pat yourself on the back just yet. These percentages represent a significant number of our Coloradans who are living unhealthy lifestyles. In fact, our current obesity rates are similar to Texas in 1995.

Many of us are unsure of how to judge what overweight and obese look like as we are one of the most overweight countries in the world and that has distorted our perceptions. The most common way to calculate if an individual is underweight, at a typical weight, overweight or obese is by their body mass index, or BMI. This calculation takes into account a person’s weight and height to determine their categorical body mass. While this calculation is not perfect, and does not take into consideration the difference between muscle and fat, it is effective as a quick screening tool. To calculate your child’s BMI, go to www.Colpts.com.

Childhood obesity is one of America’s biggest health concerns because excessive body weight is associated with heart and lung disease, diabetes, liver complications, sleep apnea and specific types of cancer. Two of the most commonly reported problems in overweight children are joint pain and bone health. Studies show girls and boys who are obese have 13 percent less bone mineral strength compared with their same-aged healthy peers. Decreased bone strength may lead to spinal complications as well as bone fractures if not addressed.

To read the full article…..Click here