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Medical History And Childhood Obesity

Young people in the US are becoming the most inactive of any generation, and are also becoming less likely to follow healthier eating habits and to develop childhood obesity ...

There is a marked trend occurring in modern day America. Young people in the US are becoming the most inactive of any generation, and are also becoming less likely to follow healthier eating habits.

What has caused this trend in childhood obesity and inactivity?

A history of family traits, modern marketing and the changing urban setting has caused a rate increase to where one of five children in the US is now overweight.

Childhood Obesity - Medical Problems

The combination of history and childhood obesity has led to a raise in many medical problems once thought only as adult medical issues:

• Type 2 Diabetes
• Depression
• Asthma
• High cholesterol
• Elevated blood pressure

This situation becomes of greater concern if there is a case of childhood obesity and a history of family health issues.

Childhood Obesity - Possible Reasons

One of the main issues in pediatric care centers on childhood obesity and a history of inactivity or inadequate activity. Studies are proving that there is a range of problems and situations combining to cause this issue.

• Environment - the dangers of the community or lack of open space can contribute to obesity
• Lack of education - proper health education and resources are not being made available or are non-existant
• Lack of stimulation - there is no reason for the child to do physical activity
• Lack of family resources - time, money, and positive role models are often lacking or missing

Childhood Obesity - Tracking Your Child

Childhood obesity and medical history are closely related. Having your child’s doctor monitor signs for obesity over time can help to slow or eliminate the progression. Some of the ways the doctor will do this are:

• Checking the child’s Body Mass Index once per year
• Using information - family history, birth weight, ethnic, environmental and social factors
• Tracking weight gain and related risk factors
• Examining activity levels and comparing them with medical norms

Using this information your doctor can prescribe methods to reduce the onset of childhood obesity and possible history of medical problems later in life.

Childhood Obesity - Simple Solutions

Some of the simple ways to help defeat childhood obesity and a future history of medical problems can be done with very little effort.

• Removing unhealthy foods
• Giving your child active chores around the house
• Model good nutrition and activity habits
• Reward with non-food items

Providing for a healthy lifestyle during your child’s early years will give them a long life history and avoid childhood obesity.

Next article: Prevention Of Childhood Obesity