Obesity!

Childhood obesity is a growing problem in our country.  In fact the United States has the highest obesity rate in the world.  Being obese means you have a BMI (body mass index, fat to height ratio) of 30 or greater.  It is estimated that 35.7% of adults are obese and 17% of children are obese.  Recently there was a study done in Albuquerque and 8th grade students are pushing 100lbs.  So why the increase in obesity?  We are what we eat.  Due to an increase in fast food restaurants and easy to make processed foods and a lack of time management adults and children are gaining a significant amount of weight.  My instructor in my health promotion class always said if you get your food through a window it isn't real.  Kids are going to eat whatever their parents feed them and whatever they watch their parents eating.  I hear the excuse all the time "well I just don't have time to cook for my family or it's easier to stop at a drive thru"  which in my opinion are all pathetic excuses.  Any child suffering from obesity is 100% the parents fault.  More than half the time the parents won't admit that its their fault and don't seek help until the problem is out of control.  Obesity leads to Type II diabetes, heart disease, fatty organs, and bullying.  It is hard enough to send children to school these days but imagine how kids that are obese are teased. With the growing epidemic I have made it my mission to focus on obesity and children suffering from the disease.  This summer I will work with a diabetic educator and nutritionist that specializes in children with diabetes and obesity.