BALANCE BIKE

Childhood obesity is shocking and becoming a rapid occurrence in the United States. The statistics for child Obesity between the ages of 3 and 5 years old is even more shocking. Take a look at this statistic. This is data from NHANES surveys that were taken between the years of 1976-1980 and 2003-2006. These statistics show that obesity for children between 2-5 has increased 5.0% to 12.4% since the study was first conducted in 1976.

Cause of Obesity

The causes of obesity comes from diet and lack of exercise. In terms of diet eating fatty foods like eating foods that are high in saturated fat. Fast food is one of the main factors that most kids gain so much weight from. Exercise or lack of it is another way that kids can gain so much weight. In our society today so many children stay inside and choose to play video games. Instead they should have at least an hour outside playing and releasing some of the tension gained from school and society issues.

Health Issues caused by obesity

Obese children are more at risk for health problems during their youth. Examples of health problems could include cardiovascular disease, this includes high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and type 2 diabetes. Having an obese child could also lead into the child's adult age. Some studies suggest that 80% of obese children were obese adults by the age of 25 years. The research also suggests that if the obesity occurs before the age of 8 years old, obesity in adulthood is likely more severe.

So what can parents do to eliminate obesity in our families.

1. Change your child's diet. Serve more green vegetables and less fatty foods. Don't eliminate fat foods all together. Children in the 1 to 5 age bracket need the fat in moderation.

2. Exercise, Exercise, Exercise... Children need this to keep their bodies healthy. Bike riding is a perfect exercise for children. It works all the major muscles groups and keeps the heart rate up to burn calories. Most parents don't think about a child between 3 and 5 riding a bike. But their is a way that your child can learn to ride in a very ingenious way. They can use a bike without peddles and chains called a balance bike. Balance bikes help children to learn the basics of balancing a bike not how to push a peddle then balance a bike. It is also safer than regular bikes for youngsters at this age.

Concentrating on these two elements can and will keep your child from becoming obese, thus releasing them of health problems and prolonging their lives.