One of western societies most disturbing statistics is the increasing number of children suffering from childhood obesity and overweight issues. Childhood obesity has become one of the greatest threats to children’s health.

Danish scientists tracked over 250,000 students in Copenhagen from 1930-1976. They discovered a direct correlation between childhood obesity and the risk of heart problems, especially among males. For example, a 13 year-old boy who was 25lb overweight was discovered to be 33% more likely than his healthy weight peers to suffer coronary heart disease by age 60.

Scientists estimate that based on current rates of childhood obesity, coronary heart disease could increase by up to 16% by the year 2035.

An even more disturbing trend is an increase in the number of young people suffering from coronary heart disease… a disease commonly believed by society to affect only adults over the age of 40. Of course, there have always been incidents of young people suffering these conditions. In 1970 my father had a heart attack at the age of 33. In the hospital he was complaining how unfair it was to have a heart attack at such a young age… until he discovered the 18 year-old beside him was there because he had a heart attack also! The incidence of this type of situation is increasing.

According to a 2004 study in the United States the obesity rate in those under the age of 18 was around 16%. A recent study indicates that the rate is now 21.6%. Unfortunately, this figure only refers to children with a BMI higher than 95% of their peers. Anything over 85% is classed as overweight. Realistically speaking, 1 in 3 children in western countries are overweight.

Statistically speaking, modern children have a higher calorie consumption but receive less exercise. For this reason, childhood obesity will continue rise until the majority of children and then adults are obese… Unless we do something about it!

Modern children are now vulnerable to diseases which were traditionally not seen until much later in life. The dangers of childhood obesity include; heart disease, stroke, high blood pressure, type II diabetes, stress and depression. These conditions have become much more common in those under the age of 18.

Malnutrition has also become a prevalent problem in Western countries where it used to appear mainly in Third World Countries. Malnutrition refers to the insufficient, excessive or imbalanced consumption of nutrients. This can be caused by inadequate consumption of nutrients or from inability to absorb those nutrients. As children consume a less healthy diet filled with excessive fat, salt and sugar and insufficient vitamins and minerals they become obese and suffer from malnutrition.

The only way to end this pattern of malnutrition and disease is to examine the causes then stop and take a stand to make childhood obesity a thing of the past. As parents, we need to educate ourselves to ensure our childrens future health and eating habits. We need to ensure that our children receive the best start in life and have the tools to maintain a healthy lifestyle and pass those skills onto their own children.

Perhaps you think your child’s obesity is a result of genetics. That may be true, there are genetic and health conditions that contribute to obesity. But consider this, if you fail to eat a balanced diet and receive no exercise you increase the risk of being overweight. Consuming more calories than the body requires for energy needs leads to obesity. If your child has unhealthy eating and exercise habits then they could become overweight. Genetics may contribute but a healthy diet and exercise routine can override genetic predispositions. Avoiding the dangers of childhood obesity is as simple as changing the whole families eating and exercise habits.

As a parent you are responsible for your children and providing a healthy diet and encouraging them to exercise is something that must be done to ensure their healthy future. How would you feel if your child had a heart attack at the age of 18 because of their diet and lack of exercise. That is one of the dangers of childhood obesity.

As a parent, it can be challenging to provide your child with a healthy diet. Modern parents are frequently ‘time challenged’. All the modern technologies are designed to make life easier but usually result in life being busier because we have to work harder to afford them. But you know what, it really doesn’t take all that much effort to prepare a healthy, home cooked meal. Here are some tips to make life easier and healthier.

• Encourage consumption of fresh fruit as snacks rather than snack bars, potato crisps etc
• Eat more wholegrain foods like wholemeal pasta, whole wheat or multi grain bread and brown rice. These take longer to digest and satisfy hunger for longer than their processed, white counterparts.
• Invest in a slow cooker. This will allow you to come home to a fully cooked meal, they are great for casseroles, soups and baked meals
• Utilize frozen vegetables: There is less wastage, they are frequently cheaper than their fresh counterpart, most of the work of preparation is already done and nutrient wise, they are as good or even better than fresh since they are frozen within hours of being picked.
• Reduce consumption of red meat but cook fresh meat rather than processed, frozen versions like chicken nuggets etc.
• Eat more fish and skinless chicken (skin contains most of the fat). Canned tuna and salmon are good but look for reduced salt and versions in springwater rather than brine or oil.
• If you’re not home to cook but your children are, teach them how to prepare fresh meat and vegetables if they are old enough.
• Decrease the size of meat portions as meat is one of the primary sources of saturated fats.. this will also save money.
• Consume reduced fat or low fat dairy products to reduce saturated fat consumption.
• Consume more salads, but be wary of oily and creamy salad dressings
• Eat less puddings and cakes for dessert and have more fresh fruit desserts instead

Following these easy tips will help you avoid the dangers of childhood obesity.

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