Obese Kids & Premature Death

You have all heard me rant a few times about childhood obesity. Although I mostly deal with adults on a daily basis, the childhood obesity epidemic is something that really tugs at my conscience each and every day as I contemplate avenues in which I can help kids. Here is a serious piece of information to consider if you are a parent or even a youngster who is struggling with fitness issues:

Childhood obesity more than doubles the risk of dying before age 55, according to a new long-term study that followed nearly 5,000 children.

''The bottom line is, obesity in kids is a serious problem that needs to be taken seriously," study co-author William C. Knowler, MD, DrPH, tells WebMD. Although experts have known that for years, he says, the new research is definite confirmation.

"What this particular study shows is, obesity is going to cause excess premature death," says Knowler, chief of the Diabetes Epidemiology and Clinical Research Section of the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.
Although recent data suggest a leveling off of obesity in the U.S., one in six teens is obese.

The study is in the New England Journal of Medicine. - WebMD

Further on in the article, the American Academy of Pediatrics shares a pretty fun little way to keep children ahead of the obesity curve called "5210" and it stands for:

• 5 servings of fruits and vegetables daily
• 2 hours or less of television viewing daily
• 1 hour of exercise daily
• 0 or nearly zero sugar-sweetened beverages daily

These tips are not only great for kids, but for adults too! Let's all set a good example for the youngin's around us and show them what it takes to live a long and healthy life!