why are the children in america so over weight

[vmcutshall]

Being an educator I would have to say that it is a combination of different things,the lack of a proper diet and not enough exercise, and to much technology. I taught preschool for 5 years and we had to actually teach children how to play. Most of then knew how to use the computer but did not know how to use their imagination.

My 2 year old grandson surprised me the other day when he announced that he had a tiger in the back yard. At first I had thought it was a tabby cat but he said it was a tiger. About a week later we watched the movie "Two Brothers" about a mother tiger with 2 cubs which I might add he didn't watch all of it he couldn't sit still that long, and he stated that his tiger had babies now. It is great that he uses his imagination and doesn't spend that much time watching TV.

[dreamyxo]

They eat too much salt, sugar and artificial foods and don't exercise.

[kodomfulmanar]

change in lifestyle. people used to be active (physically), but now they just active mentally.

[smy0850]

Thought about you guys today  I heard on the radio this morning that an organization is actually removing overweight/obese children from their homes and putting them in foster care and labeling it as a form of abuse. Not sure if I agree w/that 

[asalvato]

SMY that is terrible.  Parents do have some obligation to promote a somewhat healthy lifestyle.  But if they do not, it is no one's place to take their kids away.  At all.

[debranb]

I think that kids today are obese because they spend too much time playing vido games and watching television.  When i was grow2ing up, we stayed outdoors as much as we could, coming home only to eat or maybe use the restroom.

[smy0850]

SMY that is terrible.  Parents do have some obligation to promote a somewhat healthy lifestyle.  But if they do not, it is no one's place to take their kids away.  At all.

I totally agree. Why can't someone like Chris Powell from Extreme Makeover Weight Loss or Jillian Michaels from Biggest Loser come into their home for a week or month or whatever and educate the WHOLE family on proper nutrition and exercise. If the parents don't know how are they supposed to teach their kids? 

[asalvato]

Not sure.  Some families just don't practice healthy eating or the importance of exercise.  But as kids grow into adults, they can research weight loss and begin to change their lifestyles. 

It's not to late to lose weight even if overweight as a kid.

[PinkieRoze]

If you live in America and eat the food, chances are you are overweight and in bad health. Our food is synthetic and full of pesticides and preservatives. Unless you eat organic foods, (which because of Codex Alimentarius, isn't a for sure thing anymore,) you are not ingesting actual food. Make something out of a box and let it sit. You soon find out that mold will not eat it. It's because mold knows it isn't food. How do we digest something that isn't food? You don't, it sits in you're arteries, digestive system, and cells, causing cancer, heart disease, obesity, and many other health problems. If you're on a diet, you'll probably replace your coke with diet. Diet soda is filled with Aspartame and other preservatives which does nothing for your diet. High Fructose Corn Syrup is very damaging and is in all of our food. It's not necessarily how much you eat, it's what you eat. Although you should watch what you're taking in. The best diet, stop watching your calorie intake and start reading the ingredients. If you can't read it or know what it is, you shouldn't be eating it. And yes movement is a must! A simple walk will fix that right quick. No need to strain. But you must move the blood otherwise you're looking at possible clotting. If you don't use it, you loose it!     

[tammypete]

Its all about electronics!   Many kids nowadays NEVER go outside to play!  They get no exercise...If they are involved in some type of afterschool sport, then go by McDonalds or some other fast food place to eat!  Go figure!!!

[lgemini]

It is not hard to eat healthy.  If we as parents stop eating out (fast food)and cook at home (healthy food),  our kids will learn this as a good habit to do.  My 14 year old daughter comes home to cook a healthy dinner for the family almost everyday.  Kids are education today about how to eat healthy at school and on the tv. 

[wiersmak]

Not enough exercise, too much time connected to the internet or glued to the TV, and bad eating habits.  Its too easy to load up on junk food and sodas