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America’s obesity crisis is no secret. Over nine million children suffer from obesity in the US. The percentage of children who are obese is a public health issue. A few extra pounds do no suggest obesity, however they may indicate a tendency to gain weight easily and a need for changes in one’s diet and exercise. Generally a child is not considered obese until the weight is at least ten percent higher than what is recommended for the child’s body type and height. Most commonly, obesity begins in the childhood stages, between the ages of five and six and throughout adolescence. Experts say that if your child is obese by the age of thirteen they have an eighty percent chance of staying obese throughout their adulthood. It is projected that one in every nine children will end up diabetic. If those statistics don’t scare you, the statistics relating to teenagers and adults might. Approximately three hundred thousand adult deaths occur in the United States each year; the deaths are related to unhealthy dietary habits and deficiency in physical activity.  

The problem is clear, parents need help. The percentage of overweight children in the US is growing. Many children are spending less time exercising and more time in front the television. How can parents compete with fast food chains, thirty nine cent tacos, four dollar pizzas, and the list goes on to electronic devises, video games, the internet, and everything else that is designed to keep your child’s attention for hours? It’s an American epidemic.

The problem, proportion distortion; poor eating patterns are a major factor in the high rate of obesity among children. It’s truly sad that some parents are blaming their children for their obesity, and other are feeling guilty about their children’s weight. The guilt keeps parents from seeking the help their children need. This causes parents to live in total denial with thoughts of their children losing weight when they grow taller. But that is a myth; once you grow taller your body fat simply increases with your growth.

Another major factor in the obesity crisis is children have too many options. The culture at home must be changed by encouraging healthy decisions, and building your child’s knowledge of different types of foods. Parents must take away the option of junk food and alternative healthy foods and exercise.

Kema Norris, a certified children’s fitness specialist says, “Motivating your children to work out is a technique. If your child prefers sedentary activities they are not going to be enthusiastic about a workout program that they think they can’t do. An organized sport is not always the answer. If you have a child that is suffering from obesity, chances are they are also suffering from low self-esteem, self-confidence, self-discipline, and work ethic.” More and more children exercise classes are being formed. Finding the right program with the right coach is going to be vital to your children’s success. The fitness program that you select depends on what your child’s attitude is towards physical education. The results of a fitness program will educate and encourage your child to make healthier choices and exercise more often.

As soon as children start to exercise their self-esteem rises and they feel much better about themselves. When their self-esteem increases they will be prone to make more disciplined choices. The question most parents have is “How do I get my child to participate?” The answer is you don’t. If you just get your child into a fitness class the coach or trainer will motivate them to participate in the exercises. When choosing an exercise class, parents should look for a child-friendly environment and a coach that your child can look up to and feel comfortable with. Finding classes that are smaller will help if your child suffers from low self-esteem.

Don’t let your child become another statistic, health and fitness is one of the most important aspects of a person’s life.

For more information about this article and fitness classes, please contact Kema Norris, a certified children’s fitness specialist at www.EffectiveYouth.com