Roughly 30 percent of American children are overweight or obese, according to studies; but the plaguing epidemic doesn’t stop there...
Courtesy of new estimates, about half a million children in Europe are suffering classic middle-aged health problems because they are too fat. In an analysis presented at the European Congress on Obesity, experts reported that metabolic syndrome--a combination of dangerous conditions such as diabetes, raised cholesterol and high blood pressure--is progressively being found in juxtaposition with childhood obesity.
Worse, experts estimated that between 2,000 and 10,000 children in Europe already have the type of diabetes that is typically diagnosed in middle-aged adults. (However, those numbers merely scratch the surface of the more than 2 million children affected by metabolic syndrome in the United States.)
Yet American and European children are not the only ones suffering:
How does Europe plan to curb their child obesity problem?
For starters, the European Union commissioner for health and consumer protection drew out plans for a code of conduct rein in the marketing of unhealthy food to children.
What’s more, a new strategy on diet and exercise will be created before the end of 2005 and public discussion with the food industry, anti-obesity activists and others will assist in shaping a final plan by the end of 2006.
Newsday June 1, 2005
The obesity epidemic seems to be rapidly enveloping the entire world, and the effects do not promise good news.
If we fail to reverse this epidemic we will, for the first time in history, see children living shorter lives than their parents. However, I am convinced that we can stop this insane trend perpetrated on us by commercial self-interests. I firmly believe we can make the necessary changes to end this epidemic before it gets much worse.
The free resources on this site can help make a major dent in this epidemic by helping you learn the practical steps to reduce the chances of obesity affecting your own home, as well as your friends and other loved ones. An excellent way to get started is to review this early warning checklist, so you are aware of what signs to look out for in your children.
Additionally, Dr. Ben Lerner and I will be releasing a book on this subject later this year. The book will offer some very specific practical guidelines that should also have a major impact on this epidemic.
Until the book comes out, I have three powerful recommendations for your childrens health and well being:
Limit their TV time and get it out of their bedroom immediately.
Get your children off the couch and onto the playground, or at the very least moving around vigorously while they are watching TV!
Replace those sugary juices and soft drinks with clean water.
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