Children and Obesity

If you’ve ever wondered how obesity can affect a child, here’s a good overview. When you think of an overweight child, what do you think the first ill-effect is for them? Many kids are teased or harassed if they are overweight which can affect their self esteem and cause depression.

Think of the long term implications of that all on its own. Then look at the other ill effects like hypertension, risk of coronary disease, sleep apnea, risk for stroke, flat feet, exercise intolerance, type 2 diabetes, and you see that even as a child being overweight or obese is a major risk. Now all those bad health conditions that we've thought of as adult conditions are now issues that our precious children have to be concerned with.

The best way to help children is to role model ho to be in the world. Are you active? Do you eat healthy? Do you limit your computer and TV time?

My children are grown now and it is with pride that I can watch them live healthy and active lives, in large part because it's what they know. If you don't live a healthy live now, changing it can feel like the hardest thing to do. But, keep your eye on the prize - a healthy and well-adjusted child - and I promise you the effort will be more than worth it.