Fitness not fatness

Across the globe, more than 22 million children under the age of 5 are severely obese. Parents are primarily responsible for instilling good nutritional eating habits from an early age. Generation XS fat prevention begins at home – and the all-you-can-eat buffet line. In the US, childhood obesity has risen from 5 per cent in 1974 to 17 per cent in 2008 – epidemic levels. Being overweight takes the fun out of being an active carefree kid. 

One in 10 school-age Thai youngsters may suffer from obesity by 2015 because they are not getting a balanced diet – fresh fruit, vegetables, iodine or iron. Research indicates Thai children will tend to be overweight, shorter and have lower IQs in the next decade unless they reduce their consumption of salty, fatty and sugary junk foods. Included in often-unlabeled artificial sweeteners are corn syrup, honey, glucose, maltose, lactose and fructose. Children should drink milk daily, eat five food groups, get enough sleep and exercise outdoors rather than remaining indoors glued to electronic screens.

Obesity now contributes to the deaths of more than 300,000 Americans every year, a major modifiable risk factor for Type 2 diabetes, metabolic syndrome, cancer, heart attacks, hypertension, angina and high blood pressure. Malnutrition ranges from under- to over-nutrition, from emaciated to obese. A healthy, well-balanced nutritious diet depends on moderation, will power and cutting back on the toxic soda, candy, ice cream, pizza, nachos craving habit and avoiding greasy fast-food indigestion huts. Eat less and exercise more, seeking healthier organic nutrients and wiser menu alternatives when eating out.

Charles Frederickson