Childhood obesity is growing at an alarming rate. Perhaps you hear that in the news, read the newspapers and watch the on television. A survey done by the Centers for Disease Control found that children ranging from ages 2-5 years, overweight increased from 5% to 13.9%; for children ages 6-11 years, the rate rose from 6.5% to 18.8%, and for kids from 12-19 years of age, the rate increased from 5% to 17.4%.

Moreover, survey from the National Health and Nutrition Examination recently shows the similar results: "17% of children and adolescents ages 2-19 are overweight. Here are their statistics: Overweight children ages 2-5 years rose from 7.2% to 13.9%; ages 6-11 years increased 11% to 19%, and ages 12-19 increased from 11% to 17%."

These alarming statistics are evidence of just how unhealthy our children are. Obesity is an epidemic in our society. Although actions to ban Trans fat have been taken in most states, problems are still remain. Our children are still consuming fast foods and snacks and are not adhering to any type of nutritional diet.

Most commercial ads on TV target young children and teens with their latest fast food extravaganza. Kids nowadays exercise less, they prefer to spend time playing video games and computers. However, there is more reason to be concerned about our children's health.

Parents who are overweight and have a sedentary lifestyle are two major contributing factors to overweight children. Studies had shown that children can inherit specific genes from their parents which cause them to have a larger body mass. Recent research also indicates that the hypothalamus gland is now considered to be one of the main causes of obesity in children and adults. However, more studies are being conducted to determine how obesity can be halted and eventually cured.

The United States has the highest obesity level than any other country. Yet in Japan, obesity is almost non-existent because their diet consists of high fiber and low fat meals. Obesity can kill. It is the number one cause of cardiovascular disease among children and adults.

You may have heard that people are living longer these days. Contrary to this belief, a recent survey determined that 77.5 is the median age for us as compared to every other nation in the world whose longevity age is higher. In fact, we are ranked in the low 20's. This says a great deal about not only our lifestyle but our nutritional values as well.

Children are a precious commodity and obesity is the catalyst that is causing a decline in their health. Pediatricians are more than concerned about the rise in diabetes, cardiovascular disease, high blood pressure and other chronic illnesses that are direct causes of obesity in children. Being overweight is not just a serious health issue; it is a social issue as well. Until additional research can find a cure, most experts recommend portion control for overweight children including a nutritional diet and exercise program.

The first step in fighting against childhood obesity is to cultivate a habit of eating healthy foods. .