When talk focuses on childhood obesity in the US, words like
“critical” and “epidemic” have become common. The tried-and-true
prescription of more exercise and better nutrition still holds
true, but overweight children face unique challenges when it
comes to weight loss. Why Has Childhood Obesity Increased and
What Are the Effects? The statistics are disturbing. Not only
are the overall obesity rates increasing, the heaviest kids are
heavier than they were thirty years ago. Why is this happening?
Experts who have studied childhood obesity attribute it to a
change in lifestyle. The active lifestyle of the past—walking to
school, playing outside, and engaging in after-school
activities—has been replaced by a sedentary lifestyle of
watching TV, playing video games, and using the computer. Eating
habits have changed noticeably, with convenience foods that are
higher in fat and calories replacing fruits and vegetables. The
consequences of obesity are significant. A child who is obese
may develop high blood pressur