Description
Childhood obesity is a medical condition affecting children globally in epidemic proportions. A child is classified as obese if his/her mean weight for their age, height and body mass index is well over the norm. Though there might be hormonal or genetic causes, many children are obese as a result of poor nutritional intake and inactivity. The ease and availability of fast foods and junk foods makes kids and their parents opt for it. In addition, the age of computerization created a generation of young people engaged in sedentary activities rather than being physically active. It is now considered one of America’s leading health concerns.

Statistical studies show the following:
Globally children from western countries are more apt to be obese. In America approximately 15% of children are classified as obese, and the numbers keep growing. The prevalence of overweight teens has more than tripled in the last few years, while the numbers are not much less for young children

Symptoms
Childhood obesity significantly increases the risk of a great number of medical conditions. These include the following among others:
  •  Asthma
  •  Type 2 Diabetes (which was previously known as adult onset diabetes
  •  Heart Disease and high cholesterol
  •  High Blood Pressure
  •  Arthritis
  •  Menstrual problems – Overweight girls tend to reach puberty at a much earlier age than those with normal weights
  •  Sleep apnea 

Questions to ask the expert
  •  How many years experience have you had treating this disorder
  •  What is your success rate
  •  Certificates and Licenses
  •  References

General Tips
  •  Children should eat 2 servings of fruit and 3 servings of vegetables a day
  •  Limit the amount of juice you give your child, encourage them to drink water instead
  •  Children should be taught good eating habits from early on.
  •  Breakfast should not be skipped as it was shown in studies that not eating breakfast affects academic performance
  •  Dinner should be eaten at the dining table at an appropriate hour well before bedtime
  •  Condition your child to eat when hungry rather than when bored or stressed.
  •  Encourage physical activity, by involving the whole family. Take walks together, bike together or swim together.
  •  When outdoor activities are not possible set a time for the whole family to do an exercise video or dance to music
  •  Limit the time a child spends in front of the computer or television.

List of Products & Services
  •  Swingsets and Wooden Playsets by Willygoat.com

  •  Free Shipping AND 5% off Trampolines and Swing Sets at TrampolinePartsandSupply.com use Code: 1138668738

Books and Publications
  •  Fed Up!: Winning the War Against Childhood Obesity (Paperback) by Susan Okie (Author)
  •  A Parent's Guide to Childhood Obesity: A Roadmap to Health (Paperback) by American Academy of Pediatrics (Author), Sandra G. Hassink (Editor)
  •  Your Child's Weight: Helping without Harming (Paperback) by Ellyn Satter (Author)
  •  Trim Kids(TM): The Proven 12-Week Plan That Has Helped Thousands of Children Achieve a Healthier Weight (Paperback) by Melinda S. Sothern (Author), T. Kristian Von Almen (Author), Heidi Schumacher (Author)

  •  Childhood Obesity DVD