Causes of Childhood Obesity – Lifestyle Choices

(this is the second post in a series of 8 posts on childhood obesity)

Sedentary Lifestyles

What activities were we involved in before there were videos to entertain us? Whatever it was, we all probably weighed a lot less because of it. Having everything easily accessible and “convenient”, as well as computers to entertain us has led to lifestyles that lead to obesity in both adults and children.

Going from Outside to Inside

Our world is very different than it once was, and it shows on our waistlines. With the advent of computers, video games, and having anything you want readily available on your television screen, we have gradually moved from physical activity done outside to having our kids inside most of the time. As a result, kids are exercising less and eat/snacking more.

Statistics show that, on average, kids spend more than four hours a day watching television or playing video games. And moving your eyes from side to side while watching TV or playing a video game doesn’t burn calories. Also, sitting in front of a monitor encourages mindless munching on snacks.

It’s Safer Inside

It takes two incomes to run a household today, and parents are working longer hours, leaving kids home alone more often. In a society that seems increasingly more dangerous for kids to be out there on their own, parents want their children safe inside. The result is that they are in the house for hours on end and getting no exercise at all. All the while, experts are recommending that kids get at least 60 minutes of physical activity each day.

Tighter Economy

Jobs and money is always going to be an issue with parents, especially when the economy is tight. We have to pay bills to keep a roof over our heads and food on the table. Parents are working longer hours, and as a result, are feeling overwhelmed, grabbing as much downtime as they can at home.

Most parents just want to rest when they finally get home after a long day at work.  But kids are less likely to exercise when they have parents who don’t participate in physical exercise on a regular basis. Every time the parents come home and plop down in front of the television is another missed opportunity to help their child fight obesity.

Reward System

We all want to reward our kids when they do something well. The problem with rewards like candy or sugary treats, is that they inadvertently encourage obesity. Children will always strive to win any reward, and when the reward is chocolate cupcakes, the thrill of doing well is associating with high sugar/no nutrient food. This “food-equals-approval” will be confusing later when their weight gain leads to ridicule.

Turning it Around

So what is the answer? Get moving. Although it seems counter-intuitive, when you are tired, get your body moving and your encergy will increase. Once you get started walking, biking, swimming, or even playing hopscotch, your body naturally produces endorphins that uplift your mood. The fatigue and tiredness that you have been feeling will begin to fade away.

Make exercise a family affair. Choose activities that everyone likes to do and get started. Kids are influenced first by their parents so if you get on board with daily activities, your kids will begin to see exercise as a fun part of daily life. They’ll reach less and less for video games and more often choose to go out and ride their bike or play an outside game.

Over time, you can increase your intensity or change your activity. Children will develop healthy habits and get in shape; a habit that will last a lifetime.

To learn more about how to deal with childhood obesity, check out this excellent book by Susan Okie. To order the book, click on this image.

What are your thoughts?  Leave a comment or sound off about the epidemic.