Why have kids become so obese in todays world?

Question

When I was young you couldn't keep me in the house, these obese internet kids today you have to ground them by saying " stay out of the house"

Answer 1

Technology, Processed easy to make foods, duel income families, more options for food, acceptance of fat.

Yes it is true that with the internet and television and all the special electronics you are seeing less and less kids out playing- though there are still some kids that are outside all the time. It really depends on where you live and the family you are growing up with and how active they are.

Todays foods are laden with fats, calories, and just plain non nutritious at these "fast food" places and a lot of restaurants. They appeal to working parents and parents who are shuttling their kids around and don't have the time to make a meal. Less people are growing their own veggies in a garden or have fruit trees and nut trees.

I remember growing up I basically would go into the backyard and their were my snacks on the trees- nuts, fruits of all kinds, veggies in the garden. Wash then done with the hose and chomp away-ha.

Genetics also have a lot to do with it too. These are passed down.

Today it seems almost acceptable to be overweight, fat, and even obese.

With lack of health insurance for some and in the poor areas this can become a problem. They eat whatever is cheap and that usually means fattening foods. Mc Donald's and those dollar items.

Sodas are a huge factor in people gaining weight. People have no idea even with the sugar free how many calories they are drinking versus eating a piece of fruit or a handful of nuts.

Many many reasons for being fat and one of them being lazy. They don't want to do what it takes to keep the fat off and that is to burn more calories than they are taking in.

Answer 2

It's not just kids that have issues with obesity nowadays-it's everyone. Our lifestyles promote it. The internet, video games, DVDs, etc...we have so many forms of entertainment now, it's making us (society) very seditary. That, combined with the fact that junk food is easily accessible.

Like you, I was a very active child. Although I did eat a lot of junk food. I was chubby but not obese. Had I not been as active as I was I'm sure I would have been.

Answer 3

My grandmother always had a quote or a saying for every situation. If she were alive today, her answer to this question would be "The route of all evil is money." Today's parents are so busy working for more and more money, that the idea of a home cooked meal has gone out the window. There's just no time for it, instead, it's the convenience of McDonald's or the speed of processed foods. Some parents also like to use food as a bribe, which doesn't do any good. When I was younger, I didn't care about what i ate, and I began to gain weight. I am now 13 and losing weight slowing but surely. I am still about 15 pounds overweight, but I know what's good for me, I get my exercise in everyday, and it works magic. We've all become wraped in a world of fast, or processed food that we must learn to avoid.    

Answer 4

People just stick their kids in front of the t.v. to play video games!  When I was younger I was outside running around like a crazy kid and I was not obese.

Answer 5

THe McDonalds on every corner doesn't help.  So many parents are in a rush, work, classes, don't have time to cook a healthy meal etc..  I was like you.  I was outside constantly.  I hated being inside watching TV.  My children will be outside when they are older.  

Answer 6

I think it has a lot to do with what they eat.  Convenience foods are more fattening and less healthy than meals cooked from "scratch."  There are also many more sweetened drinks available today, and kids are not in the habit of drinking water when they get thirsty.  

And yes, playing outside seems to be a foreign concept to many of today's children.  I sent mine outside a lot, but I often heard the objection, "but what are we supposed to DO outside?"  It's hard for them to grasp the idea of making up games with whomever is around and whatever they can find to play with. It doesn't help that kids can't just run around the neighborhood and find their friends anymore.  It's a different world, and not necessarily a healthier one.  

Answer 7

I think it's the parents fault for allowing children to eat junk food and play video games. It's a whole different generation and it's very sad to see what's happening to today's youth. When I was growing up my parents gave us 2 choices eat what's in front of you or don't eat at all.  Also they didn't allow us to park our bottoms in front of the T.V and the internet wasn't a big thing at that point in time so we had no other choice but to go outside and play!  

Answer 8

Because kids don't care how fat they are, IDC either.