Fighting Childhood Obesity Starts At Home

Childhood obesity levels have more than tripled in the last 30 years, making a healthy diet and exercise crucial. To help better understand the cause of this growing epidemic, Alison Pittman, M.S.N., RN, CPN, assistant professor at the Texas A&M Health Science Center College of Nursing, shares a few lifestyle-based solutions that can have an impact well past childhood.

“The growing obesity epidemic of American children and the potential consequences of inactivity are well outlined in current research,” Pittman says. “What is harder to determine is why, despite the efforts of educational programs that encourage physical activity, some children choose not to participate in physical exercise as they grow into their middle school years.”

“But despite this trend, making just a few lifestyle changes can help our children lead healthier lives,” notes Pittman.

Pittman suggests that all parents begin implementing healthier ways of living now, with these diet and exercise tips on Vital Record.