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Knowing About Childhood Obesity

30th August, 2009 - Posted by health news - No Comments

What causes obesity? Some people say that the tendency to be overweight runs in the family and the causes are genetic, often a result of specific genes and metabolism. Others say that excessive weight gain is caused by environmental, psychological and behavioral factors.

It’s most likely a combination of factors that run the gamut and also include the overconsumption of calories combined with a lack of physical activity. According to the Center for Disease Control, obesity and caloric intake are interlinked. “Weight management is all about balance. Balancing the number of calories you consume with the number of calories your body uses or burns off,” the site says.

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For instance, if you eat the same number of calories your body is using each day, then your weight will remain stable. For the average American, this amount is about 2,000 calories per day.

If you eat more calories than your body can use (“in caloric excess”), these calories will store as fat, so if you’re going far over 2,000 each day, you need to assess your healthy diet habits.

If you are eating fewer calories than you’re using (“in caloric deficit”), your body will begin pulling from its fat cell storage for energy, so your weight will decrease. Most diets suggest between 1,200 – 1,500 calories daily weight loss.

The environment is a big factor for childhood obesity as well. In countries like France, people eat lots of carbs, cheeses and drink wine with nearly every meal. Their secret to keeping slim waistlines is the intense amount of walking they do, all across town.

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In America, we live cushy lives, driving big SUVs, watching big screen TVs, purchasing quick and convenient frozen meals and sitting in cubicles at work. We miss out on a lot of physical activity.

Therefore, we must find alternate ways to remain active. At home, we can add weights and cardio to our schedule and cut back on TV time. In our community, we can take advantage of sidewalks, public parks and other areas that promote physical activity.

Obesity is one of the most difficult challenges to overcome. Overweight Americans must change their entire way of thinking, their behavioral habits and make time for life-changing fitness routines. It may seem like a slow process, with just 1 to 2 pounds coming off each week, but just losing ten pounds can get a person out of the danger zone for disease risk.

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With 19.7% of these people served by Medicare and Medicaid, state taxes will be run ragged.