Childhood obesity and diabetes are diseases of increasing concern in many countries, not just our own. It seems to inevitably be a consequence of the excess that arises in developing cultures. The average size of a person has increased over the years, and we are seeing more and more overweight children in recent times. This is a reason of concern because childhood is a important period for healthy development. There are many negative consequences for overweight children—not only for them, but for society as a whole.

With technological advances , entertainment for children now consists more of lazy activity instead of active movement .

Instead of playing ball in the yard, kids are staying indoors watching TV or playing video games. They also eat larger quantities of junk food, much of which is introduced to them through advertisements. The combination of limited exercise and increased consumption contributes to the overweight epidemic in youth. Overweight children suffer socially as well as physically. They might get teased at school and ostracized by peers, which can lead to low self esteem and eating more to cope, resulting in a vicious cycle.

This is not to send the message that overweight children need to lose weight so that peers will stop making fun of them.

The reason they need to lose weight is because they are ideally at risk for diabetes, heart disease and stroke as they become older. And peers have no right to pick on them because this alienates overweight children and rests the blame solely on their shoulders, as if being overweight is all their fault because they’re the ones who are making the decision to eat more and exercise less. While we do have free will and we make our own decisions, these decisions are majorly influenced by what’s around us. Parents set an example for their kids and their food habits strongly impact how and what their children eat. They might also overfeed their children thinking that they’re showing their love, or they might not be able to afford healthier food. Indeed, obesity rates are highest in low-income families—fast food is the cheapest food in the nation, and it’s also the unhealthiest.

Overweight people are among the most stigmatized in our nation, mainly because the condition of being overweight is clearly visible as opposed to other “flaws.” It also doesn’t help that society is making us to eat more, yet ridiculously expecting us to stay skinny. Pick one or the other, and pick health without enacting unreasonable demands.

In this fight towards being overweight, there are many companies like Herballife, Sportron International and Pharmanex which are now offering products to help children maintain a healthy weight.The nutritional Childrens Health Products helps children on the path of healthy eating for a lifetime of well-being.

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Filed under: Health and Fitness