According to medical experts, the greatest threat to our children’s health is neither a disease nor a product. It is the condition of being overweight/obese, a diagnosis that is now everywhere in our society. Because of the increase in the instances of overweight children, experts predict that today’s young people are the first generation what will have a life expectancy shorter than that of their parents.
For children, being overweight greatly impacts the quality of their lives, and brings on other health problems, including Type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, joint problems, psychosocial effects and adult obesity.
The causes of the overweight/obesity epidemic in our country are many, but the primary reasons point to our need for more physical activity in our daily routines and better nutrition (including proper portion control, more fresh fruits and vegetables, more water and less sodium, fat and sugar.)
Scientists are suggesting that young children are at greater risk for developing overweight than once thought. Recent medical studies indicate that baby fat often becomes adult fat. Consequently, ensuring that young children have good nutrition and regular active play is more important than ever.