In a society that is constantly on the move, people have become more inclined to order fast food than to pack a healthy lunch. However, it is one thing to abuse your own health with McDonald’s; it’s another thing to abuse the health of your child.
Childhood is time for running around, sports, playing with friends, and having a good time. Unfortunately, many kids today are suffering from obesity which has slowed down their ability to enjoy childhood activities. While your son or daughter sees their weight as a means for which kids can pick on them, you should see child obesity for what it really is- a horrific occurrence which could lead to greater health detriments throughout their entire life.
Studies on Childhood Obesity in America have proven that children who suffer from obesity are at greater risk for health problems later in life. Childhood obesity can increase risk factors associated with cardiovascular diseases such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and Type 2 diabetes. Statistics in Childhood Obesity have shown that individuals who suffer from obesity at ages 8 and under are at an even greater risk to suffer from severe obesity in adulthood.
One of the best ways to prevent child obesity is to track the weight of your child by using the Body Mass Index system. This system takes into account your weight, height, and age in order to determine your weight compared to the healthiest weight range you could be. The BMI system for children and adolescents (ages 2-19 yrs) considers children overweight when the BMI is 85-95th percentile, and obese at 95th percentile and above. Find the best age and sex sensitive BMI calculator here.
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