Cancer and Childhood Obesity

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According to the World Health Organization, almost one billion adults are overweight and at least 300 million are clinically obese. The incidence of obesity is rising dramatically not only among adults but also among children. The International Obesity Taskforce estimated that one out of ten school-age children aged 5-7 is overweight. It is calculated that 30 to 45 million of that age group are classified as obese.

Researches have already proven that being overweight or obese can increase the risk of cancer among adults. As such, medical practitioners around the globe have launched various campaigns on how to fight obesity not only among adults but also among young children. Because healthy habits are encouraged at an early age, the campaign calls on parents to help their children by setting the right path to nutrition. Parents are being asked to encourage their children to eat healthy foods and to be physically active. Enlisting the cooperation of the parents is important to the successful correction of childhood obesity since it will require considerable diet and lifestyle changes. According to the International Obesity Task Force, parents can help by:

• Participating with their children on sports and other physical activities

• Limiting time spent watching television and playing computer games

• Parents should eliminate unhealthy snacks and unhealthy sodas

• Replace junk foods with fruits and vegetables

• And make sure that low-calorie and healthy foods are served during meals

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Above all, parents should be a role model to their children. To get better results from their children, parents should practice what they preach.