Be an example for overweight kids!

Restored from the Empower Network archive (2011–2017), lightly edited to meet our current advertising standards. Views are the original author’s.

Being overweight is a big problem in the United States. What’s worse is we have a lot of overweight kids too!

I am no expert on this issue but it is impossible not to see this problem just by opening your eyes. I am going to share some statitics from the American Heart Association:

Today, about one in three American kids and teens is overweight or obese, nearly triple the rate in 1963. With good reason, childhood obesity is now the No. 1 health concern among parents in the United States, topping drug abuse and smoking.

Among children today, obesity is causing a broad range of health problems that previously weren’t seen until adulthood. These include high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes and elevated blood cholesterol levels. There are also psychological effects: Obese children are more prone to low self-esteem, negative body image and depression. Read more…

When I was younger, which was not to long ago, we were more active outside then kids these days. Don’t get me wrong, we played video games but, during the day we were outside.

Now days kids are stuck inside watching tv, plying video games, and eating fast food all the time. I know that fast food is quick and easy but it certainly puts on the pounds fast too.

Fast food does not appear to be going anywhere anytime soon, so that means we just have to be more disciplined in what we eat. Everyone may not be willing to give up fast food but you can control how often you eat it. This is a must with your kids.

Overweight kids will have more health problems

Again, I am no expert, but how often as adults do we go to the doctor and they tell us to lose weight or stop eating certain foods? For a lot of people this is often.

That is just as adults. Imagine the health issues overweight kids will have since they will be exposed to weight problems most of their life it it is not addressed.

So parents, we are the first line of defense. Your child has to eat but you are the parent and have control over what they eat. Even if you have to eat out, you can chose where or at least something as healthy as possible.

Give your child a better chance at a healthier life!

Some form of exercise will benefit overweight kids

I leave you with this. I have a 2 year old son. I was doing my Insanity workout and he came into the room and watched me. You know that kids are  like sponges when it comes to learn at a young age. If I continue to allow him to see me workout, it will come to him easier later.

Go outside and play with your kids. The more you do it while they are young, the more they will do it on their own when they get older.

To your prosperity,