Living Life Too Large?

Reading this article I found on the LA Times website really opened my eyes to what a major problem our country has with childhood obesity. The habits we develop as children stick with us and shape the rest of our lives. Obese people between the ages of 12 and 21 are "seven times more likely than normal-weight or overweight peers to develop severe obesity by the time they reach their late 20s to early 30s." What does such a startling study prove? It proves we need to make a plan, make a change, and make it a priority to help these kids.

Obesity leads to "cardiovascular disease, Type 2 diabetes, certain cancers and musculoskeletal pain." Early obesity may also lead to changes in your metabolism and hormones in your brain that oppose weight loss. Being healthy and fit should be a goal promoted by teachers, by parents, by role models, by everyone and everywhere young people eat, learn, or spend time. While some efforts have been made, there is so much more that can be done. Communities need to let students know how important their health is and offer facilities that offer fun and exercise. Schools always need to offer and promote healthier alternatives to a hamburger and french fries. This is such a huge problem that needs to be tackled head-on because the facts are there; we just need to make a bigger effort.