What are some ways to decrease obesity in children?

Question

If you notice, more and more children are becoming obese. In fact, children are expected to live five years less than their parents because of obesity. In fact, a stunning 17% of kids aged 2-19 years old in the USA are obese. What are some ways to implement change in nations where there are fast food chains on every block?

Should a really abuse child be concidered as 'neglected'?

I meant should obesity in children be concidered neglect.

Answer 1

I don't think obesity in a child should be considered neglect on the part of the parents. I'm not trying to say obesity is a wonderful thing or parents don't have a responsibility to their children. Maybe these parents make bad choices for their kids in letting them become obese---parents make bad choices all the time---but a mistake isn't necessarily a crime. I'd be inerested to see how many of the 17% (a stat I'm hesitant to accept unconditionally) have parents who are obese as well.
As far as what people can do when "there are fast food chains on every block" (not to mention processed food for sale in supermarkets) is to be more aware of the food that they buy. Do things like check the nutritional content on the back of the items---how many calories of fat, how much is trans. fat, how much sodium etc. Also, stop buying stuff like soda, junk food---or, like my parents did, just buy one dessert or other snack while everything else is healthy.
Finally--and this can be a bit difficult when people are always working---COOK YOUR OWN FOOD. At least then you'll know what goes into what you and your kids are eating

Answer 2

Changes are already being implemented in fast food chains. Salads are now offered as well as low fat and diet meals. Ultimately the responsibility falls on the parents for fast food chains should not be the main source of a young child or even a teens diet. Good eating habits begin in the home.

Answer 3

They should take the drink and candy machines out of the school. I just transferred to a new high school, and there are about 10 machines all around the school with donuts and cokes. Then at lunch, all we get is french fries and fried foods. Its the worst I've ever seen. Then I see tons of obese kids who always have a bottle of Coke in hand. It's sickening and just plain crazy. The machines need to come out! I get a coke once every 2 weeks as a treat, I don't drink soda like that. These kids live on it, like their life is depended on it! When I came here, i was like, OMG! These kids need gym!!! My other school only had 2 machines, and hardly no one was obese. Here, about 75% of the school is, not me of course. It's crazy!

Answer 4

Take away their computers and video games.
Turn off the televisions.
Tell them to go outside, climb trees, play in the park, ride a bike...do something without electronic stimulation.

Oh, and you should go with them.
We ALL could stand to lose a few pounds and get some fresh air.

p.s. - leave the cellphone OFF!

Answer 5

My suggestion is to get them more involved in outdoor activities. We used to almost never hang out in the house when I was kid. We were outside chasing eachother around, riding bikes, climbing trees, exploring the woods, building forts, etc...

Too much time is spent in front of televisions, video games, and on cell phones these days.

Expand your kid's horizons. take them and their friends outside and challenge them in some physical activity such as tag the "grown-up".

Look for buried treasure in the woods, beach, or desert.

Answer 6

Proper diet and less sitting on their b*tts inside the house

Answer 7

Perhaps a proper diet instead of so much fast food junk would help.

Answer 8

Proper diet and exercise

Answer 9

Absolutely no homework so they have time to go play outside.

Answer 10

More excercise, less video games. Schools should have phys ed & recess.