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Did you know that the incidence of obesity in children and adolescents has tripled in the last 20 years? One in every four children is now overweight. And there is a direct correlation between obesity at ages 8-13 and obesity in adulthood.
Did you know that 20% of obese pre adolescents are pre-diabetic? The incidence of type 2 diabetes has increased in adolescents from 5% in 1982 to 40% in 2003. And this rise is directly related to obesity.

So we have a serious crisis on our hands in this country. And parents hold the solution in their hands.

How do you know if your child is overweight?
Your pediatrician can tell you. If your child�s weight is 15 lbs greater than expected for his or her age and height, they are considered overweight. Pediatricians use something called the Body Mass Index (an equation that takes all factors into account) to determine how overweight or obese a child is. If your child is already overweight or obese, discuss treatment options with your doctor. Reversing obesity at an early age is the key to avoiding serious health complications such as Type II diabetes and heart disease.

What causes obesity?
The simple answer is overeating. But it is more complicated than that. Some factors are genetic. If a parent is overweight, there is a 30% chance that his or her child will be overweight. But genetics alone cannot account for the sudden rise in obesity numbers. Children today have a more sedentary lifestyle. Despite all their scheduled athletics, many children still spend more time sitting while they watch TV or play video games.
And television viewing has been directly linked to obesity in children.

What health problems can obesity cause, as my child gets older?
The serious and often irreversible health complications of obesity:
-An obese child or adolescent will have an elevated cholesterol level, which in turn causes cardiovascular disease with the potential for stroke and heart attack.
-Obesity also causes insulin resistance resulting in Type 2 diabetes and all its associated complications.
-Hypertension is often associated with obesity.
-Other complications of obesity include liver disease, gallstones, orthopedic problems such as hip joint abnormalities, sleep apnea, and several other problems.
Obesity also creates a potential for psychological problems such as low self-esteem, distorted body image, eating disorders, and depression.

What can I do as a parent?
Controlling what your children eat is a parent�s responsibility. Educating your children on the dangers of obesity is also important. As a family discuss a change to a more healthy diet for everyone. Learn the new food pyramid that has been designed by the experts to promote overall health and lower the risk of chronic disease. (See below.) Discuss limits on TV viewing and video games. Encourage outdoor play.

What is the new food pyramid?
The US Dept of Agriculture recently released Dietary Guidelines for Americans 2005. They have established a very helpful and user friendly website at mypyramid.gov (To access- don�t put in www) For all members of the family, you can individualize a nutrition plan for healthy eating.

What else can I do?
-Examine the family eating habits.
-Have scheduled mealtimes as often as possible with busy family and work schedules. Have more home cooked meals and less fast food.
-Have your children eat at the table instead of in front of the TV.
-Have fruits and vegetables readily available for snacks.
-Eliminate all sugar drinks, including sport drinks, which are high in sugar and salt.

About the Author
Dr. Mary Ann LoFrumento, MD, F.A.A.P., pediatrician, mother and author, has more than 20 years experience answering parents' questions about how to raise their children. She recently launched Simply Parenting, a book and DVD series designed to end parents' anxiety and insecurity and bring parenting back to basics.