Childhood obesity is a major problem in North America including Canada. Other less-industrialized countries are also catching up to the trend. The facts are staggering.
• Obesity rates in children have almost tripled in the last 25 years
• 26% of Canadian children ages 2-17 years old are currently overweight or obese
• Currently, 59% of adult Canadians are either overweight or obese
• Only 13% of Canadian children currently meet the daily activity guideline of 90 minutes a day
• If this trend continues, in 20 years we can expect 70% of Canadian adults to be overweight or obese
If you are worried about your child’s weight, instead of nagging them, there are much more effective ways to help your child lose weight. Ohio State University conducted a study of 8550 four year old children in the USA to determine the association between obesity and three regular household activities. The study has concluded that children who are exposed to these three activities had a 40% lower chance of being obese than children who were exposed to none of these activities.
1. Regularly eating dinner together as a family (>5 nights per week)
2. Sleeping at least 10.5 hours a night
3. Watching less then 2 hours of TV a week
There are also other ways you can help fight childhood obesity.
4. Join the 21 day Family Fitness Challenge. Don’t just work out by yourself; get the whole family involved in this positive initiative. This way, it keeps everyone accountable for their actions and behaviours. Studies have shown that it takes 21 days to form a new habit, if you could commit to 21 days of healthy eating and more activity rather than being a couch potato, you’re more likely to sustain that lifestyle
5. Donate to the Childhood Obesity Foundation. You don’t need to donate your whole paycheque; a $5 donation is more than enough to contribute to this much needed cause.
Come down to your nearest Fitness Town and a Fitness Expert will show you how you can register for the 21 day Family Fitness Challenge and donate to the Childhood Obesity Foundation.
