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Does the product address cardiovascular problems and diabetes as well as weight control? Knowing that the overweight child will be at higher risk for developing these conditions as they age, this should be a consideration. Does it just concentrate on weight, or does it help control cholesterol and blood sugar levels as well? How often have children been given a lollipop or other treat at the doctor's or dentists (!) office? When you want to reward your child for their good behavior let them have an apple or grapes or a hug. Too many times children are given to associate their good behavior with eating sweets. Don't keep eating until you cannot stuff another bite into your mouth. If you stop eating before you are completely stuffed you will give your brain time to catch up with your stomach.

Again, taking your time will make this easier and you will feel more refreshed when you finish eating instead of feeling like a fatted calf. If a product has more than say five or six ingredients and some of them you do not know how to pronounce leave it on the shelf. If a product contains any high fructose corn syrup like many sodas, cereals and juices pass it by. High fructose corn syrup is a common substitute to sugar in processed foods. Obesity is the most expensive health problem in the U.S. today. Obesity results in Type 2 diabetes, heart attack, strokes and cancer which are our primary killers today. And we are now learning that a fat, cholesterol laden diet increases your chances of dementia and Alzheimer's disease.

The author is right, and as a pediatrician more days than not I feel helpless, but if we leave you alone what is going to happen? Obesity is the only epidemic we have on our hands and if people are not willing to change it will be catastrophic. On top of all of these physical issues obesity can also prey on your child's self esteem and confidence. Children that are overweight deal with ridicule when with other children. This can make their social skills suffer. It has been proven that kids dealing with obesity also are more likely to suffer from depression.

A vital part of childhood obesity prevention is to limit television, video games, and computers. Kids are spending more time sitting in one place than running around outside. By limiting your children's allowed time with electronics they will have to turn to other activities to keep them occupied If you are a parent it is your responsibility to feed your child healthy and tasty food. True, there are nights that you are going to be tired and it may just be easier to swing by the closest fast-food drive through and pick up some chicken nuggets but that is just not the responsible and more importantly, loving thing to do.

If your kids can't read, read food labels to them. If they don't know what one of the ingredients is, chances are they shouldn't eat it. Budget cuts at schools here in the United States have taken away the emphasis and time allotted towards physical fitness that existed during the 1960-1970's. Children find themselves engaged in more sedentary pursuits including computer games, social networking, and an expanded media entertainment offering.