Obesity is an ever rising epidemic. Gone are the days when children played outside until dusk and walked to and from school. Childhood obesity is a problem that can be minimized. Parents and children are busier than in past generations; convenience and speed appear to be important in today's generation. Parents tend to grab food that is quick and convenient. Unfortunately "quick and convenient" does not necessarily mean nutritious and healthy. Poor choices of foods need to change. Physical activities need to increase and attitudes towards positive life styles need to improve. The lifestyle of parents has a significant impact on the lifestyle and habits of their children. After-school and holiday activities often consist of playing computer games, watching television and searching the net. Children need to limit inactive entertainment and participate in physical activities. Parents should be role models to their children. Gardening, walking and/or playing at the local playground are a few examples of activities that parents and children can do together with limited financial output.
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Tasty Food Abundance in Healthy EuropeObesity is seen as resulting from an imbalance between energy intake and energy expenditure. By being active as a family, one can limit or minimize the chance of obesity.
In our society there is no longer a need to search for food and water. One must only walk through a town center where one can access an array of inexpensive and convenient fast food restaurants. It is no coincidence that the rapid increase in obesity has accompanied a rapid increase in number of fast food chains. Inappropriate diet is a contributor to obesity in children. Dietary guidelines recommend children between six and eleven should receive 1,800 calories a day, with fifty percent from carbohydrates, thirty percent from fat, and twenty percent from protein (Bastin, 47). With the readyavailability of high calorie...