Abstract

Do you allow your kids to ride without a seatbelt? Do you let them run around the house with scissors? Of course not. You want to keep them safe, don't you? Well, if their safety is your priority, you may want to take a quick look at your pantry. Childhood obesity has become a major epidemic in this country. It is estimated that a third of American children between the ages of 6 and 19 are overweight or are at risk of becoming overweight. In addition to the social stigma that comes with obesity, studies have shown that overweight children have higher incidences of chronic disease as adults, including heart disease, high blood pressure, and diabetes. So, what can we do about childhood obesity?