Best of Mother Earth

This week I want to offer information on a very serious topic:  Childhood Obesity

The World Health Organization offers these statistics: Globally, there are more than 1 billion overweight adults, at least 300 million of them obese. The key causes are increased consumption of energy-dense foods high in saturated fats and sugars, and reduced physical activity.

Further commentary states: Obesity and overweight pose a major risk for serious diet-related chronic diseases, including type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, hypertension and stroke, and certain forms of cancer. The health consequences range from increased risk of premature death, to serious chronic conditions that reduce the overall quality of life. Of especial concern is the increasing incidence of child obesity.

Childhood obesity is epidemic in some areas and on the rise in others. An estimated 22 million children under five are estimated to be overweight worldwide. According to the US Surgeon General, the number of overweight children has doubled and the number of overweight adolescents has tripled in the US since 1980.

Tripled.  

I am stunned by this statistic. Are you?

The full article can be read here

The word epidemic startles me. The long term ramifications are costly not only fiscally, but also in loss of life – our health care system can not support this predicted level of illness, worst yet life span for this generation is predicted in death, meaning reduced life span. 

Death.   I have a really hard time thinking about that.

What can we do ??  University of Michigan Health System offers these helpful comments and tips

I can recommend  healthy weight loss methods that are simple and effective.  I personally used this product-centric inch loss program and went from a size 24 to a size 16 two years ago, Even in maintenance these products are useful in any healthy living regime. 

I also made many changes, I didn’t do them all at once, but each layer as it unfolded created a better attitude and better eating habits

How did I personally get so heavy? A car accident in 2001 had me become sedentary as a way to manage chronic pain.  I thought if I didn’t move it wouldn’t hurt. I had headaches that would take over my very being.  I also allowed bad habits to creep back in. Lots of bad habits unfortunately.

When I looked in the mirror one day I didn’t know who I had become.  I was embarrassed, wouldn’t you be embarrassed? A fat wellness consultant? 

I felt losing weight at such a large level ( large – ha!) was completely hopeless. 

I was not alone

Losing weight is very overwhelming. Mainstream eating has  addiction added to the problem, our very busy lives doesn’t help the situation either 

If I can help you or anyone you know. I foster the I can’s … I am full of ideas, tips, solutions. I have been where every heavy person has been. I really know what it’s like.

You can be part of the outreach.

Are you overweight? Want to do something about it? Be an example and get on a healthy weight loss program.

Share with those you know the success you have.
 
Be encouraging and supportive to the youth around you, if your concerned about a particular youth who’s suffering from obesity, say something.

They may not know even where to start.

Testimony: a year ago a teen I know hung with the wrong crowd, they ate lots of really awful food. Volumes of empty calories. That teen gained quite a bit of weight. This fall the teen, stopped eating the junk, added swimming, started biking to to school, added veggies at lunch. Lost 20 pounds.  

I think the best line I have ever heard is what are you willing to do to lose the weight. We all know the right things to do. Which of those things are you willing to do?


fat kid on a scooter flickr image credit

K a r e n     H a n r a h a n
Wellness Educator/Nutritional Consultant
Mentoring YOU to Health Success
708.482.0678
 
Websites:
Nutrition
Weight Loss

Member of BNI – West Suburban BNI: “Chapter Mentor”
Member of West Suburban Women Entrepreneurs www.wswe.org
WSWE Board Member and Programming Chair