These days, more children in America are obese than ever. The problem has escalated to epidemic proportions, and there doesn't appear to be any end in sight. It comes as no surprise that people are scrambling to find ways to combat this problem, but answers don't come easily. As with any other problem, quick fixes generally don't work. In the case of childhood obesity, that means that options like liposuction and laser tummy tucks are little more than tiny bandages applied to gaping wounds. They don't address the issues that cause childhood obesity in the first place.
The Dramatic Increase in Childhood Obesity
In 1980, approximately eight percent of children between the ages of six and eleven were obese. By 2008, nearly 20 percent of them fell into that category. That means that the number of obese children in America has more than tripled in the last two decades. It's easy to see why childhood obesity has become a hot-button issue. Currently, one in three kids in the U.S. is overweight or obese. From the standpoint of health, there are many serious implications, with Type II diabetes and high blood pressure being two prime examples.
What can be Done?
Many factors have contributed to the skyrocketing increase in childhood obesity in America. The culture of the United States has become more sedentary than ever. Kids simply aren't getting as much exercise as they used to get. Easy access to fast foods that are laden with calories, fats and sugars plays a major role. While many adults have turned to plastic surgery options like liposuction and tummy tucks to address the issue, most board certified plastic surgeons are reluctant to perform such procedures on children. Furthermore, such surgeries do not address the root of the problem. All too often, people have considerable amounts of fat removed from their bodies and proceed to promptly gain it all back.
While a person is still growing and developing, it is exceptionally risky to perform certain types of surgery. Surgeries are risky in general, but performing them on people who are still growing and developing is especially fraught with peril.
Common Sense Approaches Work Best
The best way to combat childhood obesity is by tackling the root of the problem. In addition to getting a lot more exercise, children should be offered healthy, low-calorie foods as often as possible. While a few healthy options are available at major fast-food chains, it's better to steer clear of such establishments altogether. Fresh fruits and veggies work wonders. It's not always easy to compel a child to eat his vegetables, but carrot sticks and celery sticks with low-fat ranch dressing tend to be popular options. Children should be encouraged to eat as many fruits and vegetables as possible and to consume fats sparingly. The answer isn't simple, but it's more likely to have lasting benefits.
Fitness.com does not support weight loss surgeries and the above statements are the opinions of the author and not of Fitness.com.
Authors Bio:
Arden Dev is a 23 years old health and wellness free lance writer. She mostly spends her time writing blog posts and editorials
Your Kids don't need plastic surgery to survive obesity
