How to Avoid Childhood Obesity – Childhood Obesity and Consequences?

Obesity is a major health problem in almost every nook and corner of the world today. Did you know that there are 750 Million people around the world overweight and 250 Million of them are from the US. 2/3 of America is overweight or obese. Obesity is responsible for 325,000 annual deaths. People around the world spend Billions of Dollars a year in order to buy different products that claim to burn fat and there by provide a solution for obesity. But has obesity decreased? Definitely No!

Obesity in children is a growing concern today. Children are more and more overweight these days than 10-15 years back. Obesity is a major cause of serious diseases such as cancer, diabetes, and hypertension.

Modern technology is a number one cause of childhood obesity today. Children are more and more inclined to sit down and play with computers, play stations and be in front of TV for much longer times than the past. They tend to be more indoor than going outdoor and doing some physical activity. In the earlier era, children would be more physically active and play outdoor, thereby getting healthy exercises and this was a major cause of maintaining a healthy body weight.

Another reason is junk food. There are much more junk food available today than 10-15 years back. We are now used to instant food and our children are always given this food. But actually children should be given more and more whole grains and more fresh fruits and vegetables.

Children these days are too busy and some times they do not drink enough water. They should be encouraged to drink at least 5-6 glasses of water per day. Water helps to increase the metabolic rate of children and thereby help burn fat more effectively.