As many of my regular viewers to this web blog know, there are many factors contributing to childhood obesity. I post daily here about it, whether news print articles, opinions, feedback, or just personal opinion.
Recently, I wrote an article for Yahoo! (click here) about childhood obesity. I started searching for sources for this article, and received over 100 responses to the question, “What do you think caused the rise in childhood obesity?” Responses came from professional and Olympic athletes, fitness experts, health experts, nutritionist, and parents.
I was unable to use everyone’s feedback, but thought it would be great to post some of their responses on my blog in a new web series, “What Causes Childhood Obesity.” I hope that you enjoy the opinions here from various individuals. Please remember, my including their posts does not necessarily mean I agree or endorse their opinion, rather, a place to share other people’s thoughts.
Childhood obesity is on the rise because of more than one issue.
To start every time this topic is brought up for discussion the talk is so one dimensional. Just as it is with the subject of adult obesity. For example the sugar debate! Fixing a complex situation takes understanding all components.
List of some main reasons:
1) The mis-education about the foundation (law of thermodynamics) of what really causes fat loss (energy deficit) and fat gain (energy surplus). It becomes a waste of time when misconceptions lead the train of thought in trying to fix an issue of reality.
2) The misconceptions on what is thought to be right is so ingrained into mainstream society that now these thoughts and methods are being taught to our youth and in essence is becoming part of tradition.
3) Parents are more concerned with their kids being HAPPY instead of teaching boundaries, control, and healthy habits. *This is what makes them HAPPY down the road because they don’t get weight related diseases or picked on for being overweight.
4) Society and Technology!! Schools decreasing activities, kid can’t go outside as much, videos games, etc, etc, etc! Well these are actual things that could contribute but don’t act like there are not options to counter act this. How bout boys and girl club, Sports, Wii fit, biking with your kid, telling your kid that he or she can’t eat that huge candy bar, and the list goes on.
In conclusion to solve this epidemic we mist teach the right education and limit money or rating driven info, parents and adults get responsible, and quit blaming entities that really would never fix the problem alone. COMMONSENSE!
Warren Martin, best selling author (The wellness Code), BS, PES, CES, MMACC