| Children and Obesity. While nutrition experts have | | | | Coupled with dwindling physical education |
| yet to come to an agreement regarding the pros | | | | programs and on-the-go dietary choices, it is no |
| and cons of children adopting diet plans, the | | | | wonder that more children than ever are facing |
| continually rising rate of childhood obesity makes it | | | | problems with their weight. In many ways, it is a |
| clear that something needs to be done. Recent | | | | vicious cycle; improper nutrition creates a lack of |
| studies show that 1 out of every 6 children under | | | | energy reserves which makes it more difficult to |
| the age of 13 is overweight. Many people believe | | | | exercise and failure to get adequate exercise only |
| that the sedentary nature of our society, | | | | exacerbates the problem. Just as with adults, |
| combined with the convenience of processed | | | | children need a proper balance of nutrition and |
| foods has created a dangerous precedence in | | | | physical activity to maintain a healthy weight. |
| child nutrition. Obesity affects children both | | | | Caution! Monitoring Your Child's Diet for Hazards |
| physically and mentally, and can have significant | | | | Before starting your child on a strict diet, which |
| effects on adult health as well. While many | | | | should only take place under the supervision of a |
| nutritionists balk at the idea of regimented dieting | | | | doctor, there are some things you can do to |
| for children, all agree that a return to healthier | | | | positively affect your child's eating habits. Limiting |
| eating habits is the first step in combating this | | | | certain foods, while encouraging more healthy |
| growing trend. | | | | choices is a great way to promote a nutritional |
| Diet and Energy Levels | | | | diet that does not seem completely restrictive. |
| As more children are spending their free time in | | | | The following tips can help you to establish a |
| front of a computer screen or television, on | | | | healthy view towards food and weight in your |
| average, kids are expending too little energy. | | | | child. |