Obesity in young kids epidemic?

A new study just came out for the first time that tracks childhood obesity y state. This was done by The Trust for America's help.

The study is called F as in Fat: How Obesity Policies are Failing in America, 2007
Some of the major factors include poverty and lack of excercise. (no brainer)

1. What are your thoughts around childhood obesity?
2. What do you think is the key to prevent it?
3. As parents, how can we play a role in that not just for our own kids, but their friends as well?

(1)
<> Childhood obesity is preventable. Although it is linked through genetics and children are prone to obesity based on their family history, it is not written in stone. Children become obese for the same reasons adults become obese.
<> We live in fast-food America and unless you are careful in your selections, you will pack on the pounds. Those greesy fries and tasty burger may hit-the-spot, but they'll also pack on the pounds. (no kidding). For most of us, it's very difficult to choose the salad at a fast food joint.
<> Electronics have brought in children from outside. Days of backyard baseball are very much a thing of the past. It caught me off guard the other day - when kids didn't know the game "Tag". Yet, they have two video game systems, extended cable t.v. and older kids browze the internet for hours.
<> The kid's wish lists for birthdays and Christmas' have changed in recent years. They're wishing for the new Nintendo Wii and an array of games to company it. What about that shiny new bike? To be honest, I can't remember the last time I saw a child riding a bike for pleasure. Sometimes, the occasional child riding a bike to and from school but that's about it.
<> In this generation is it more and more common for both parents to have full time jobs. And even more common for there be to have one full time in-come with an additional part time job for the other parent. This limits time at home for cooking and decreases parental energy for cooking all the same. This is where fast food comes in. Microwave meals that pack on the empty calories. And it's a wonder why kids are becoming obese. Eating their high calorie meals while getting their strong thumbs playing their video games.

(2)
<> Setting aside family time to get outside is important. Any chance to take that family walk is a step in the right direction. One hour of time doing something active as a family is one hour away from sitting around and doing nothing.
<> Although, with the busy lives of families these days, it is possible to pick up some quick take-out. The key is to make choices wisely. Apple slices instead of fries are options at several fast food places, and unfortunatly they're not chosen nearly enough. Limiting the intake of high calorie snack foods is key. A banana and juice is always better than that chocolate chunch granola bar and soda.
<> Limiting t.v. time, to include video games. Instead of the three moral combat / fight games.... how about Dance Dance Revolution. It's a video game, but a great, fun game for all ages. Have a family DDR tournament. You're never too old to get that cardio up!

(3) Starting at a young age, get your children interested in sports. A child is less likely to become interested in a sport later in their childhood if they're used to lounging in front of a t.v. Instead of buying your child a few video games for their birthday, enroll them in an after school program such as indoor soccer or dance class. A sibling of mine (who is 14 now) started Ukranian dancing when she was four years old and has done it the last ten years.
<> Parents pass on habits to their children. As children get older, they'll make wise eating choices if that is what they're used to eating. Do whatever you can as parents to encourage eating a wide variety of food in moderation.

Well, it seems like companies (McDonald's) and snacks (oreo cookies) are the things that are being forced to change because of this crisis. However, McDonald's and oreo cookies and everything else like them have been around for a long, long time. Why is there such obesity now? If a school changes their lunches and makes them healthy, does it really help? No, because the kids go home and devour a box of Twinkies and then sit around for the rest of the day. The solution to getting rid of this problem does not lie in the hands of schools, food companies, or even out government. When it comes to children and obesity, it is completely up to parents to discipline their children into eating properly and exercising. Of course, this is why the problem is getting worse. It's because the parents are doing the exact same thing as the kids when it comes to junk food and lack of exercise. They come home from work and are tired, so they stop by KFC and that's dinner. Parents need to learn to control themselves first and then they can lead by example. If this doesn't happen, nothing will stop this problem from getting worse.

Yes I see obesity as a problem in kids where I'm from, many of them my own kids friends. My kids get a limit on time spent on computer or any kind of video games, they find things to make up the rest of their time and there usually the old fashioned ways, biking, skating, swimming, and other things with kids in our neighbor hood. I also tell them if they want some kind of junk food they have to eat some kind of fruit or vegetable first if they want it bad enough they will and some times after the "good for you stuff" their either to full for the junk or eat less of it, oh and I pick the limit of the good stuff. Many parents work every day and have a lot of stress its harder to set limits on their kids in these days then it was years ago. You would think with all the new technology our lives would be easier but I don't believe they are, more stressful maybe. Parents have let it go to far with computers, home entertainment games,and cable t.v. They relied on them for to long as a form of entertainment and or a baby sitting tool so that they can unwind or get other things done they can''t do while at work. I don't believe it's the parents fault I blame society and the daily pressers put on parents to much is asked of us in so little time, so they rely on the convenience tricks in our society. As you can see I can go on and on about this subject. I hope this problem will be dealt soon for our kids sake and the future of uo all. Remember obesity is high in adults too. I wonder why.