THE number of children with obesity is increasing particularly in the urban areas of the country as elsewhere in the world. One third of children in the U. S. is overweight or obese, and this number is continuing to rise. Children have fewer weight-related health and medical problems than adults. However, overweight children are at high risk of becoming overweight adolescents and adults, placing them at risk of developing chronic diseases such as heart disease and diabetes later in life. They are also more prone to developing stress, sadness, and low self-esteem.
A child's total diet and activity level play an important role in determining its weight. Today, many children remain inactive for long. As computers and video games become increasingly popular, the number of hours of inactivity is increasing. Bringing about changes to our lifestyle and habit can make a real difference to children's weight. We should make sure our family is getting a balanced diet and children are having good physical activities and they do not spend an inappropriate amount of time in front of a computer or TV screen. The parents who are in the overweight category should try and reduce weight and be careful about their children so that they do not grow up as obese children. Overweight children have a high risk of being affected with high cholesterol and blood pressure, diabetes and heart diseases. Obesity ruins childhood days of a child and they feel isolated, lonely and depressed. A fit and active child is more likely to become a healthy adult. We must encourage our children to follow a healthy and active lifestyle. Let us say no to lethargic lifestyle and spread awareness about its negative impact on life and quality of living.
Mohammed Fardeen
Badda, Dhaka
