What Causes Childhood Obesity? – Part 50

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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.

Keeping Kids Fit
Opinion: Dan O’Brien

I believe that childhood obesity is on the rise due to a few different factors. Fast food is cheap and easy to get and parents are busy. Snacks have become a part of daily diet, and most of these snacks are very unhealthy (chips, cookies, candy). By the time the child understands that he is overweight or at risk, he hasn’t been educated enough on how to fix the problem.

Physical education must be mandatory through all years of education, K-12.

Parents should take more responsibility in providing healthy meals and snacks for their children.

Dan O’Brien, 3x World Champion, 1996 Olympic Gold Medalist – Decathlon
Professional Spokesperson, Trainer, Motivational Speaker and Coach