Healthy Habits: Childhood Obesity

Here's an interesting survey result: Poll Position found that, when asked, ‘Do you think childhood obesity is a disease, or is it caused by poor parenting, poor food choices, or both?’ 34% percent of respondents said both poor parenting and poor food choices cause childhood obesity, 29% said poor parenting, 24% said poor food choices, 4% thought childhood obesity was a disease, 9% did not offer an opinion.

What I think is particularly interesting is that I've also read studies that talked about the number of parents who don't recognize that their own children are overweight or obese. And since 20% of children in 2008 were obese, according to the CDC, it's likely that many of those who said it was poor parenting or both parenting and food choices may have obese kids.

If you're concerned about your child's weight, talk to your doctor. Children who are obese are more likely to have significant health problems down the road and to be obese as adults. The earlier you can get them going on positive healthy habits, the better. Make sure that healthy habits, such as daily exercise and balanced eating, are a family affair.