Childhood obesity is a health issue. Today, more and more children are being diagnosed with diabetes, hypertension and other conditions associated with obesity. A child is defined as “obese” if their body mass index-for-age (or BMI-for-age) percentile is greater than 95 percent.

What are the causes of this issue?

There are many reasons why children are obese. One is that there are so many fast food restaurants in the world. Did you know that the United States has the highest obesity rates in the world and we also have the most fast food restaurants in the world. Some people don’t have a lot of money so they have to resort to buying fast food because it is cheaper. Not only is money an issue but schools don’t educate kids on eating healthy. Children have a lack of information on eating healthy so they don’t know how to eat right.

What are possible solutions for this issue?

There are many solutions for this issue. First, the United States needs to lower the amount of fast food restaurants. Fast food restaurants are taking over the restaurant business and overpowering. Schools need to start teaching kids about healthy diets. The reason why children go to fast food restaurants is because they don’t know better. Their teachers don’t teach them the consequences that come with not eating healthy. If you aren’t a great cooker and you always go and buy fast food for your kids, stop taking the easy way out. Go to the supermarket and pick something up that is more healthy.

Is there anything you can do to take action on this problem?

It is so easy you can help too. Start teaching others around you about the consequences of eating badly. Start telling people how to eat healthy and how to stay on a diet. If you are obese there are many actions that you can take to help yourself. You can go on a diet. Start eating healthy and stop going to fast food restaurants. Make time to go exercise at the gym and get a lot of physical exercise. Lastly, watch what you eat.

What recipes can you use to keep a healthy diet?

There are a lot of fun and creative recipes out there to keep your kids eating healthy. A lot of them are fast and easy too. For breakfast you can make peanut butter muffins. This recipe is delicious and full of healthy ingredients. For lunch you can make crunchy hawaiian chicken wrap. In this recipe there is broccoli, spinach, pineapple, and chicken. This recipe is full of healthy ingredients. For more recipe ideas for dinner or snacks you can visit  http://kidshealth.org/kid/recipes/  and http://www.superhealthykids.com/healthy-kids-recipes.php.

What are some tips?

Here are some tips to stay healthy

1. Keep a healthy diet. Try to eat healthy for every meal. Make sure you get a right amount of fruits and vegetables each day.

2. Get lots of exercise. Kids can go play outside with their friends and run around to get a lot of exercise.

3. Get a good night sleep. Make sure you go to sleep on time and get enough sleep.