Obesity is growing problem within our society and it doesn't look like it's going to get any better over the coming years. Although the world has woken up to the dangers of obesity still the majority of Western cultures appear to be getting bigger and bigger.
The problem may lie with fast food becoming an accepted part of many people's diets, it may lie with the growth in popularity of computer / console games that mean that children spend less time playing out but in reality it's a mixture of many things. One thing is for sure and that is that we need to do something soon for the sake of the health of our children and for our own health.
Society makes it too easy for us to say yes to temptation, advertising of junk food on television is an accepted part of life although guidelines are being brought in to limit the amount of advertising of these products that is aimed broadly at children, for example the offer of a burger and a toy from a fast food restaurant. Around one in four children are now believed to be obese in Great Britain and the figures for America are much worse.
There are many cultures which are traditionally more approving (to varying degrees) of obesity, including some African, Arabic, Indian, and Pacific Island cultures. But we should also start to consider childhood obesity a social problem, and take action now.
Obesity is on the rise in our society because not only is food abundant but the wrong type of food is abundant as well as this for many children physical activity is optional. But herein lies a problem, the fatter our kids get the less they want to exercise, it's a vicious circle. More and more research into child obesity, for example, links such things as the school run, with the current high levels of this disease. Something as simple walking to school with the kids can make a big difference to the health of a child.
Just walking at 3 miles per hour for twenty minutes a day can burn up to 75 calories. Not that impressive really until you add that up over a period of time; 1500 calories a month or approximately 18,000 calories a year, now that makes a big difference to anyone. Obesity is mainly caused by taking in more calories than are used up in physical activity and daily life so by simply adding in a small dose of exercise can make a really big difference.
For the sake of a twenty minute walk a day you could help stave off such obesity related diseases as diabetes, high blood pressure, stroke, heart attack, heart failure, certain types of cancer such as prostate and colon, gallstones, gout, degenerative joint disease and sleep apnea.
A change of diet will also help, changing from a diet of processed food to a diet consisting of fresh produce such as of tomatoes, olive oil, garlic, fruit and vegetables as found in simple Italian cooking will help to reduce the amount of saturated fat, salt and sugar in the body which all have a negative affect on health.
A few simple steps can really go a long way in improving the health of the world; it's really up to the world whether or not they can be bothered to make the change for the better.
Related Articles
Don't Let Stress Affect Your Weight: 7 Easy Tips
By: Marjorie Nolan, Ms, Rd, Cpt | 26/07/2006 | Weight Loss
Stress brought on by dieting is added to the personal and work life stresses that we face every day, often resulting in a "vicious cycle" of increased stress and increased food intake. People under stress tend to engage in self-defeating and unhealthy behaviors such as binge eating and there is strong biologic evidence that stressed-out people may tend to put on the pounds faster. "I'm stressed, therefore I eat."
Changing Habits
By: Alive Online | 02/04/2008 | Nutrition
It can be done. People do give up smoking. They stop taking sugar in their tea. They give up coffee.Changing our habits is a very very possible thing to do. With the information that is bombarding us from every side telling us what's good for us most of us now have at least subconscious goals. We want to lose weight. We want to eat more fruit and vegetables. We would prefer organic food. We want to exercise more. We don't want our children to be obese from eating junk foods.
A Guide to Child Obesity
By: Michael Lyall | 19/05/2008 | Health
Learn how to change the family’s diet and exercise routine towards helping childhood obesity become a part of the past. Obesity rates in children and adolescents are growing alarmingly. Now is the time when we must set a good example and let our children follow our lead.
The Natural Way to Reduce Cholesterol, Improve Heart Health and Increase Blood Circulation
By: ros | 21/07/2008 | Diseases and Conditions
High cholesterol is one of the biggest killers in the western world today. Heart problems are clearly linked to lack of exercise, incorrect diet and lifestyle choices but for some of us even making the right changes doesn't solve everything.
This article may provide the answer. A natural alternative to reducing cholesterol and improving the health of your heart.
7 Tips to Health and Weight Loss 4 Kids
By: Marjorie Nolan, Ms, Rd, Cpt | 26/07/2006 | Weight Loss
Tips to help your kid lose weight.
The Benefits of Proper Nutrition
By: Scott White | 30/06/2007 | Nutrition
The benefits of a proper nutritional program contribute to overall physical and mental health.
7 Tips to Help Your Kid Develop a Positive Self-Image
By: Marjorie Nolan, Ms, Rd, Cpt | 26/07/2006 | Weight Loss
The adolescent and teenage years is often considered the most difficult years in life, especially for an overweight teen. Many peers of overweight children do not accept them further fostering negative self-perception. Research shows that parents who nurture a positive attitude and actively show their children qualities of resilience and optimism make dramatic differences that continue into successful healthy adult years.
This Will Make You Exercise
By: Katie Jay | 23/10/2006 | Fitness
I still hate to exercise sometimes. But, one thing I have learned and taken to heart is that exercise is critical to maintaining my weight loss.
Got a Question? Ask.
Ask the community a question about this article:
Frequently Asked Questions
I'm doing the jayrobb fruit flush, and I didn't ...
By: Sarah | 13-07-2008
I'm doing the jayrobb fruit flush, and I didn't order his, I got Genisoy, Soy protein powder. What I found, that I'm only worried about is that it has 60mg of potassium iodide. Would that be alright? The other ones there had like 200+ of that stuff.Thanks.
Chest pain
By: Kolasmom | 13-07-2008
do you get heartburn only after a meal
I have to critique a qualitative research article ...
By: crscott | 13-07-2008
I have to critique a qualitative research article. As part of the asignment, the instructor has requested an 800 word abstact. I am accustomed to much shorter abstracts. How shoul I go about constructiong this one?
Can Bragg's Vinegar help reduce the inflammation ...
By: mirico5 | 13-07-2008
Can Bragg's Vinegar help reduce the inflammation of gout?
Do i have a problem??
By: eica :) | 12-07-2008
well ive lost a lot of weight over this summer so now im under weight not by a ton but idk i havent been doing anything to lose weight really but all the time im thinking about how much weight i could lose and like when i look in the mirror when i suck in and see my ribs for some reason i wish i were that skinny...i know its bad and i dont want an eating disorder but like idk :/ and instead of eating sometimes i fake im not hungry not skipping meals though like i just forget about it and i dont like eating in front of people so basically my conscious is sort of "helping" me lose this weight because im so afraid of gaining it oh btw im 14 about 5"4' and weigh 103.5
Is flouride harmful to skin? if toothpaste ...
By: babette | 12-07-2008
is flouride harmful to skin? if toothpaste containing flouride is put on skin to dry up acne, is there a danger?
Q&A Powered by:
Latest Health Articles
Reduce Salt Intake, Reduce Life Insurance, Live Longer
By: Catherine Harvey | 24/07/2008
A look at the way our salt intake needs to be balanced for a healthier life.
Weight Loss Secrets - Lose Weight for the Summer Now!
By: Janet Sommers | 24/07/2008
Summer is here again and for sure, men and women alike would like to enjoy the sun and the beach. But enjoying is not complete if you can not wear your favorite sexy swimsuits, right? But with all the websites available in the internet, it is too difficult to know...
Weight Loss Surgery - Is Surgery For Losing Weight Worth It?
By: Janet Sommers | 24/07/2008
If you have been dieting for a long time that you feel like you are on some kind of eternal weight loss program, for sure you have been considering on or thinking about having a weight loss surgery done. Weight loss surgery is not a new way towards losing weight...
Weight Loss Surgery Testimonials - Is Weight Loss Surgery Right For You?
By: Janet Sommers | 24/07/2008
There are many people who want to lose some weight. With this growing demand for products and services that promises the users weight loss in shorter period of time, more ways of losing some pounds in the body are also offered. Some may resolve to strict dieting, heavy exercises, weight...
Weight Loss Tea - The Healthy Way to Lose Weight
By: Janet Sommers | 24/07/2008
Is it true that drinking tea is a healthy way to lose weight? We are now aware of how famous tea variants are working well in the bodies to help health conscious people to lose weight. However, though reported to be effective, still some people are saying that weight loss...
Weight Loss Workout - Discover How to Build a Fit and Healthy Body Now!
By: Janet Sommers | 24/07/2008
When it comes to saying good bye to fats, nothing says it more than having a very good weight loss workout. It has become a common fact and idea that when any person decides and sees the need to slim down, automatically the words 'weight loss workout' come into mind....
Turn Your Shade From Dark to Light
By: James Brown | 24/07/2008
Has your old skin whitening done wonders for you? Have you found something to rely on when it comes to your skin's health and whitening needs? Don't be stuck with the old ways of skin whitening, there is a new answer for your problems, Glutathione.
Glutathione has become one of the...
Nutritional Health Resources Online
By: James Brown | 24/07/2008
Finding health resources online is quick and simple when people use health calculators to describe health conditions that they are currently experiencing. The nutritional health resources online can help people find nutritional supplements to relieve some health related symptoms and through a daily regimen, people have the ability to control...
More from Harwood E Woodpecker
The Changing Ways in Which We Can Now Get Married
By: Harwood E Woodpecker | 03/04/2008 | Weddings
The way we get married is somewhat different to 20-30 years ago. Back then we all got married in either a church or a registry office. So what else has changed in the way we wed and is it for the best?
Making Sure You Get Your Wedding Day Right
By: Harwood E Woodpecker | 03/04/2008 | Weddings
Getting married has got to be the most nerve wracking day in anyone's life. It is a huge step to take to commit yourself to one person for the rest of your life and hopefully it will be your only marriage sop you want to get it right.
How To Make Sure You Choose The Right Tiles For Your Bathroom
By: Harwood E Woodpecker | 25/03/2008 | Home Improvement
Bathroom tiles are making a big come back, tiling is more popular than ever, you only have to drive into any town and look out for the number of tiling superstores that are opening up.
Chose Swimming to Help You Get Back Into Shape
By: Harwood E Woodpecker | 25/03/2008 | Sports and Fitness
So with very little outlay other than a swimsuit and maybe a few accessories you could take to the water and improve your fitness levels.
Sport and the Youth of Today
By: Harwood E Woodpecker | 25/03/2008 | Sports and Fitness
When I was a child we played soccer in the winter and cricket in the summer. Life was simple.
In these times that we live in children have so many opportunities to try out new sports and disciplines; this has got to be a good thing, right? I'm not too sure.
The Mysterious World Of Sleep
By: Harwood E Woodpecker | 24/03/2008 | Wellness
Our work, taking care of the kids, the endless errands, exercise, social events, and the daily stresses of life can invade our days so much that the last thing we think about is this: am I getting enough sleep, and is it the right kind of sleep I need?
Choosing The Right Flooring For Your Patio Area
By: Harwood E Woodpecker | 21/03/2008 | Home Improvement
We all love spending as much time as possible in the warmer summer months sp isn't it sensible to treat the outside of our homes as just an extension of our living area?
Accepting a Dwi Offense
By: Harwood E Woodpecker | 21/03/2008 | Law
DWI or driving while intoxicated is a serious crime in all the western countries.
Health 
