There is a rising challenge of obesity in children. Obesity means having too much body fat. Obesity in children is not something to take lightly. Childhood obesity has become one of the most important health challenges facing American society today. Obesity rates have increased twofold in the two to five year-old age group to upwards of ten percent, and to more than fifteen percent for twelve to nineteen year-olds. The problem of childhood obesity in children is not limited to the United States -- it is now a problem for traditionally poor countries where recent prosperity has caused people to eat more and exercise less.

Health.

The physician is the person to determine whether a child's height and weight are in the healthy range, so do not hesitate to ask him. Buying junk foods for the household will only act as a temptation and send the underlying message to children that it's okay to consume unhealthy foods. Purchasing junk foods for the rest of the family will only be a temptation and tell the rest of the children that unhealthy foods are really okay. Purchasing more fruits and vegetables and less soda pop and high-calorie, high-fat snacks, will encourage healthy eating. When children are overweight, fast food restaurants are the last place they should be eating. The National Academies' Institute of Medicine proposes healthier meals in schools and restaurants; more choices of physical education at school and in the community; less television advertising aimed at children; and education of health professionals and children to make better food choices.

Overweight.

Girls are more likely to be overweight than boys and older preschoolers (ages 4-5) more likely than younger tots (ages

2-3). Children and adolescents, who are overweight, are more likely to develop obesity as adults. Children's long and short term health is jeopardized when they are overweight or obese. Children are increasingly becoming afflicted with diseases that were previously confined mostly to adults, (Reported by The Enquirer - Cincinnati). So serious are overweight and obesity in children that more research is required into how well the various dietary intervention methods are followed and how successful they are.

Medical

The usual cause of childhood obesity and overweight is too much of the wrong foods and too little physical recreation. Overweight children should not be put on a diet unless a physician supervises one for medical reasons. Although medical

complications do not occur in the majority of obese or overweight children, specific disorders (hypertension, hypercholesterolemia, hypertriglyceridemia and others) can occur in the severely obese child. Overweight children

should not be put on a weight reduction diet unless a physician has prescribed it for medical reasons. If your child has a medical condition that limits physical activity, be sure to talk to the doctor about safe activities for your child. When a child has limited physical activity because of an existing medical problem (e. g. Treating obesity in children is well worth the effort.

Prevention and management of childhood obesity is absolutely important, otherwise the condition may persist into adulthood. The treatment of childhood obesity is worth every effort made. Therefore, the prevention of weight gain offers the most effective means of controlling obesity. Nevertheless, you can and must control the accessibility children have to unhealthy foods, and ensuring you have plenty of healthy

foods and snacks for you and your family.