Parents Are Responsible for Childhood Obesity

Think about this, what happens if one day you are at an amusement park and your child cannot ride a ride because he or she cannot buckle the restraint because of his or her weight? This could happen to any child if the parents do not take responsibility for their weight. Over the past 20 years the childhood obesity rate has doubled and is at epidemic rates. There is serious health problems associated with childhood obesity. If a child eats healthy and exercised regularly than he/she should have no problems with obesity. Parents have the power when concerning a child's eating habits and activities at home. Childhood obesity may be prevented if parents just open their eyes to what types of activities their children take part in and take responsibility for what they put on the dinner table.

Thesis statement: Childhood obesity can be prevented if parents just open their eyes to what types of activities their children take part in and take responsibility for what they put on the dinner table.

Parents need to take responsibility for their child's weight. According to The Alliance for a Healthier Generation, each day you can take advantage of the healthy choices around you. Doing little things can affect your child's health in a big way. Parents or guardians are the key decision-makers concerning the nutrition, physical activity and health needs of their children. Health snacks and activities are the key to preventions of childhood obesity and parents hold that key. Parents can limit what a child eats as a snack. Keeping fruits or low sugar snacks in the house will help children learn to eat healthier snacks when they become hungry between meals. Not only should parents control the snacks they also need to get their child more active. Turn off the TV and send them outside to play. There are some health issues that may cause childhood obesity but childhood obesity is something that can be prevented and controlled if a parent cares enough to do so.

Healthy meals are a very important part of prevention of childhood obesity. Parents should think twice before they decide to go through the drive through instead of heading home and cooking a healthy meal for their children. There are even cute books to help out with healthy eating tips. The Very Hungry Caterpillar is one of those books. Salt intake is a leading contributor to high blood pressure and can be found in all kinds of foods. Salt is in a wide variety of foods. Too much salt is not good for adults let alone our children. High blood pressure is one health problem that can be worse if the person is overweight or obese. To avoid the use of too much salt, parents should flavor their foods with natural herbs and spices. Keeping the salty snacks to a minimum instead of chips or pretzels try grapes or apples. Instead of French fries with dinner maybe try some watermelon or applesauce. With the way of life sometimes