Few months ago the Mexican Government decided to forbid junk food advertisement during the hours where more kids were probably likely to watch TV.
This because obesity is becoming epidemic in Mexico with an impressive 30% among children.
Childhood obesity increases the risk for a child to become an obese adult and, as well documented, adult obesity increases the risk for heart disease and stroke, diabetes and cancer, with also important consequences on health economics.
In some few cases obesity is due to genetic or hormonal factors but, usually lifestyle factors cause obesity.
First of all inactive lifestyle and unhealthy eating habits.
But where do we learn such bad habits? Experts point out the role of the “obesogenic environments”: if parent are obese or overwheight, than also their kids are most likely to be.
But we’re not talking about genetic factors but the probability to acquire bad habits. On the other hand, if we look at the dog and his owner we’ll found probably a very strict link in terms of weight… And no genetic factors can be pointed out in this case!
Different solutions have been adopted from different countries, such as Junk Food Taxes, higher health insurance premiums for obese people or the UK traffic light food labelling system in order to encourage people towards healthier choices.
Prevention plays a crucial role in this tough topic.
Governments should develop Children’s nutrition education programs in Schools, such as a regular physical activity: an healthy lifestyle should become very familiar among kids. Parents play a fundamental role in order not to nullify all these programs: a good example could be not to let your child eat while watching TV, not only will he/she not taste the food properly but it will be impossible to keep track of exact quantities!

[cml_media_alt id='1531']Cinzia Scarcelli - 10[/cml_media_alt]

Please contact me at: Cinzia.Scarcelli@yahoo.com
mob +39 347 0714588
Skype: cinzia.scarcelli1

This post is also available in: Italian