Obesity In Kids A $100 Billion Per Year Problem!

Oct. 1, 2011 - PRLog -- Unity of Boston will host a workshop on Obesity in Kids on Saturday, October 29, 1:00 - 3:00 PM. Obesity is among the easiest medical conditions to recognize but most difficult to treat. Unhealthy weight gain due to poor diet and lack of exercise is responsible for over 300,000 deaths each year. The annual cost to society for obesity is estimated at nearly $100 billion. Author Peartie Lawrence believe that the problem of childhood obesity is in the United States is out of control. Recent surveys indicate that between 16 and 33 percent of children and adolescents are obese.

The author of a new Kindle e-book Obesity and Kids (ASIN: B005D9RUFG) Lawrence said children are much more likely to become overweight adults unless they adopt and maintain healthier patterns of eating and exercise. Parents she said can help children overcome the obesity challenge by making healthy changes at home, then teaching their children what to do away from home.

1. What is obesity?
A few extra pounds do not suggest obesity. However they may indicate a tendency to gain weight easily and a need for changes in diet and/or exercise. Generally, a child is not considered obese until the weight is at least 10 percent higher than what is recommended for the height and body type. Obesity most commonly begins in childhood between the ages of five and six, and during adolescence. Studies have shown that a child who is obese between the ages of 10 and 13 has an 80 percent chance of becoming an obese adult.

2. What causes obesity?
The causes of obesity are complex and include genetic, biological, behavioral and cultural factors. Basically, obesity occurs when a person eats more calories than the body burns up. If one parent is obese, there is a 50 percent chance that the children will also be obese. However, when both parents are obese, the children have an 80 percent chance of being obese. Although certain medical disorders can cause obesity, less than one percent of all obesity is caused by physical problems. Obesity in childhood and adolescence can be related to:

• Poor eating habits
• Overeating or binging
• Lack of exercise (i.e., couch potato kids)
• Family history of obesity
• Medical illnesses (endocrine, neurological problems)
• Medications (steroids, some psychiatric medications)
• Stressful life events or changes (separations, divorce, moves, deaths, abuse)
• Family and peer problems
• Control portions and consume less calories
• Increase physical activity (especially walking) and have a more active lifestyle
• Know what your child eats at school
• Eat meals as a family instead of while watching television or at the computer
• Do not use food as a reward
• Limit snacking

Obesity frequently becomes a lifelong issue. The reason most obese adolescents gain back their lost pounds is that after they have reached their goal, they go back to their old habits of eating and exercising. An obese adolescent must therefore learn to eat and enjoy healthy foods in moderate amounts and to exercise regularly to maintain the desired weight. Parents of an obese child can improve their child's self esteem by emphasizing the child's strengths and positive qualities rather than just focusing on their weight problem.

When a child or adolescent with obesity also has emotional problems, a child and adolescent psychiatrist can work with the family physician to develop a comprehensive treatment plan. Such a plan would include reasonable weight loss goals, dietary and physical activity management, behavior modification, and family involvement. Obesity and Kids  is available as a Kindle e-book online at http://www.amazon.com/dp/B005D9RUFG

What:     Free Workshop on Obesity In Children
When:    Saturday,  29 October, 2011
Time:      1:00 - 3:00 PM
Where:    Unity of Boston, 70 Colchester Street, Brookline, MA 02446
http://www.unityboston.org

Unity of Boston (aka Christ Church Unity) is a growing and joyous spiritual community. It welcomes all people to experience God’s love and divine power within themselves. You will find inner peace, the joy of unconditional love, and the incentive to become all that God created you to be at Unity of Boston. They are affiliated with Unity Worldwide Ministries, Unity Institute, and Silent Unity, publisher of  Daily Word.

Contact:  Tamika Bray
Tel: 617-232-4548
e-mail:   press@unityboston.org
Address: 70 Colchester Street, Brookline, MA 02446