From Your Health Journal…..”A great article from WOOD-TV recently about 1 In 3 Kids At Risk For Becoming Overweight. The Your Health Journal blog has been focusing on this topic for years, as childhood obesity is reaching extremely high levels in many places not only in the United States, but all over the world. We know that proper diet and exercise are important ingredients to a healthy child, yet so many children get little or no physical activity, and eat poorly. There are so many contributors to this problem, including the popularity of technology in the children’s daily routine. Change is needed, and fast. Studies have also shown that overweight children will have a better chance of becoming overweight adults. Please visit the WOOD-TV web site (link provided below) to read the complete article. Let’s all help children be educated on healthy lifestyle, so they have a bright future, both physically and mentally.”

From the article…..

According to the Office of the Surgeon General, studies show that currently 1 in 3 children and teens in America are either overweight or are at risk of becoming overweight. Overweight adolescents have a 70% chance of becoming overweight or obese adults.

There are several risks that excessive weight can have on our children. Often times those that are overweight or obese are socially ostracized, which can lead to low self-esteem, as well as problems with academic and social development. From a health standpoint, overweight or obese children are much more likely to develop cardiovascular disease and diabetes.

Prevention of childhood obesity starts with simple things like diet and exercise. Experts agree that inactivity and poor eating habits contribute to obesity. National guidelines recommend 150 minutes of physical activity each week for elementary children and 225 minutes for older children.

If your child is overweight or at risk for obesity, Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital Healthy Weight Center has programs that can help. The center offers a comprehensive program for children and adolescents ages 5 to 17. They work to develop the best practices in medical treatment, nutrition information, education, exercise and clinical research to help children attain and maintain optimal weight.

To read the full article…..Click here