Childhood Obesity Diseases

The number of overweightchildren has risen dramatically over the past two decades and the diseases,which had once been common diseases found in middle-aged adults, are being seenin children. These include the type '2' diabetes, gallstones and liver failure,which are now prevalent in children and have been fatal in many cases. Childrentoday are seen to be aging before their time and they are also showing symptomsof breathing disorders, sleep problems and bone-and-joint complications andhypertension.

It has been proven through researches that more than 34percent of children in the U.S., between the ages of 6 - 19, are overweight.This has been revealed by the National Center for Health Statistics, which hasalso stated that these children are at greater risk of developing heart diseaseand cancer. It has been seen that obesity in adulthood is likely to be moresevere, if the problem of being over weight begins before age 8. Type '2'diabetes, which had formerly known as adult-onset diabetes, is now being seenin children.

Statistics reveal that 45 percent of new diagnoses ofdiabetes have been seen in children and adolescents. Unlike juvenile diabetes,which is mainly type 1, this type 2 diabetes is linked to weight and can befatal if not controlled. The Future of Children and National Health andNutrition Examination Surveys show that almost 18% of the children in the U.Sare obese. About 8% of the elementary schools have physical education classes whilethe others don't. Almost 20% of the children consume more than four sodas aday.

Here the parents should realize they have the responsibilityto alter the poor eating habits in their children and urge them to eat healthy.This can be done with just a few changes, and foods like macaroni and cheese orpizza, should be made healthier and can be cooked at home. Avoid refined flourand opt for whole wheat bread and pasta also the portion sizes need to beconsidered as well. Even the cereal should be checked for sugar and caloriecontent and only the required portion should be served.

You should also remove the calorie-rich temptations fromhome and these include ice creams, sodas and chocolates. Restrict these eatingtemptations to weekends and make sure that they get the same during weekends,or else they might steal and eat these foods or have them without yourknowledge. These are some of the factors that parents should consider to ensurethat their children eat healthy foods and are able to remain free from childhood obesity diseases.