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Why are so many kids overweight? And, how can we help them? (cross-posted at BlogHer)

I just came across this new study about Why Poor Kids are Heavy, and I decided to do my post on it. It seems that so many more children are overweight today, than I remember were overweight when I was growing up. Childhood obesity has become an epidemic. Why is that? Could it be too much television? Video games? Fast food? Well, there are a lot of theories, and this new study only suggests that more studies need to be done. Typical.

The one thing I’ve noticed about the problem of childhood obesity is…There is an awful lot of blame to go around.

Who or what is to blame for the rise in obesity?

It depends on who you ask.

Lawsuits against McDonald’s and other fast food restaurants, which were quickly dismissed, would have you believe that fast food is to blame.

Another lawsuit, also dropped, blamed Oreos, especially because they contain trans fats.

Fat Kids…Are Working Moms to Blame???

Back in November I blogged about the study that was done regarding children who aren’t getting enough sleep are more prone to gaining weight. While I can’t disregard a study…I did not totally agree with it. I think kids need to get some exercise rather than sitting at the computer and they need to eat some old-fashioned balanced meals instead of fast food or processed foods. Meanwhile, there are many theories flying around about why children are overweight.

It seems to me that working moms have more than enough guilt, without being blamed for the problem of child obesity too. But, parents do need help when it comes to understanding their overweight children. So, I hope some of the links I’ve included here will be helpful.

A Quick Note For Parents of Overweight Children

Being overweight throughout my childhood, teens and into my twenties has destroyed my self-esteem and stopped me from thoroughly enjoying my life up until this point.

Please if you have overweight children help them to beat the problem as early as possible. I don’t want others to go through what I have gone through.

Growing Healthy Children

My heart broke just a little when we finally found a suitable car seat after reading this article: Which Car Seat for an Obese Child?

At her last check up her doctor said that her numbers put her in the category of overweight. He wasn’t concerned because she wasn’t sittin’ around eating Ho-Hos and Ding Dongs. She’s active and eats a balanced diet with sweets and treats in moderation. I am not really concerned, either. She is solid, she is strong, she is so beautiful.

However, being that through the years I have spent more than my fair share of time thinking about my weight and body and food and exercise, I am sad. Since reading the above mentioned article I have tried to talk myself out of the idea that my girl is setting off on a lifelong adventure of food and self image battles.

Helpful Links

Overweight Children – Prevention and Treatment

My Overweight Child

Help For Parents – Overweight Teenagers

Also See:

The Growing Problem of Childhood Obesity

Fat From The Womb

Childhood Obesity, Type 2 Diabetes, and Prevention

Are You Worried About Your Child Being Overweight?

Contributing Editor Catherine Morgan
also at CatherineBlogs.com and The Political Voices of Women