Obesity in Children

[RIJIMMY]

I think the picture in your avatar should go a long way in modifying behavior

[Raven]

is: parents asking their kids what they want to eat for dinner, breakfast or lunch
...instead of saying: this is what we are having. Period.

every one of us generally falls into one of three categories....
*texture freaks (for example i can't stand ocra cuz its slimey like an Eel)
*taste freaks -> taste buds are completely replaced every 7 years
and *visual freaks... people who wont eat something
just because of how it looks....


the point being that you shouldnt eat things
just because they taste good.
they should be eaten because they are good for you.

Parents are supposedly the educated providers who
learn something about nutrition at some point in their lives.

unfortunately...they are also so busy that they sometimes decide
that takeout food or fast food is easier when in reality it's nearly
50% saturated fat... (the worst kind) resulting in FAT kids

[chris L]

I guess genes dont play into it at all ? I dont believe it . not all fat kids are lazy , computer , video game junkies . some even eat really well and end up fat cause one parent has the gene in their family tree . but that couldnt be it ?

[fishpoopoo]

i'm sure heredity plays a role in obesity - but I think diet and exercise (or lack thereof) are the biggest influences. obviously, there are the relatively few cases where really profound obesity arises from medical issues.

[Backbeach Jake]

A lot of kids are fed to shut them up. If they're eating then they're not screaming. Many parents are very permissive, anything the kid wants it gets. Food , toys just about anything but parenting. Both parents working and feel guilty that they've let someone else raise their children (daycare) and lavish food and gifts on their kids to make it up. As a result, you have overweight kids who's thumbs are exercised by video games.. My.02..

[fishpoopoo]

let's not forget all those evil parents who neglect their kids by going .... fishing. yes, you fishing makes your kids fat.

[fishsmith]

Originally Posted by Bassturbed

let's not forget all those evil parents who neglect their kids by going .... fishing. yes, you fishing makes your kids fat.

Yes but when you see them again in the late fall it's amazing how much they grow.

[FishermanTim]

I will admit that there are a percentage of kids that will be genetically "coded" for obesity, but that percentage is low.
The majority of kids have become "enabled" by their parents because (as stated earlier) they ask the kids what they want to eat.
I don't have kids, but I do have nieces and nephews, and I am ALWAYS giving them fruit and veggies to snack on.
(This is partly because of my own changed eating habits.)
We live on a cul-de-sac, and the kids always want to go out and play.

Unfortunately, most parents either don't have the time and energy after a hard day at work, or they assume the kids will amuse themselves.
As for the hard day at work theory, I find that if I get home and my brother is there with his kids throwing a baseball around, I have no problem getting my glove and joining them. (Remember, even as adults, exercise is good.)
As of them amusing themselves, if you leave pre-teens alone they will probably get into some trouble (breaking something) or getting hurt. That's why when the kids are out of the yard, there will be an adult to "keep an eye on them".
finally, as for the parent(s) that leave their kids home to go fishing, why not take them along as they get older, or start them off with freshwater tactics. (My nieces and nephews LOVE to go fishing with Uncle Timmy.)
Well, that's my .02

[Squid kids Dad]

Easy to say if you have never had kids,both parents work full time ect..Its harder than you think

[fishaholic18]

Originally Posted by RIJIMMY

I think the picture in your avatar should go a long way in modifying behavior

[FishermanTim]

I park at the end of our lot specifically so that I have to walk to and from the building. I also walk up 4 floors to the office as well.
My coworkers think I'm crazy, but I look at myself in the mirror and realize it's not crazy at all.