Canadian children are officially overweight and unfit, according to Stats Canada this week. Since 1981, waistlines have continued to expand to the point where 17% of children are overweight and 9% are now considered obese.
Many experts blame junk food, too much TV time and inactivity as the culprits. This would seem quite reasonable since junk food is still readily available in many schools, physical education programs continue to be shortened and kids rarely walk anywhere these days. However, I believe these are simply symptoms of a far greater problem, one that strikes a little closer to home — parents.
The fact of the matter is parents are the real problem here, since more often than not parents help facilitate these unhealthy lifestyles. Consider the fact study after study continues to show that parents that lead healthy, active lifestyles also have children that lead healthy active lifestyles.
Childhood obesity rates continue to rise because adult obesity rates continue to rise. Period. After 11 years of family practice, I can tell you with certainty that if mom and dad are unhealthy and overweight, the kids will be the same. Conversely, parents who exercise and eat well are more likely to have children who are active and eat well. Lifestyles and attitudes towards health are a far better predictor of obesity rates than genetics.
If we are being truly honest, we will come to the following realizations: that ultimately it’s parents who do the grocery shopping and give money for school lunches; its parents who allow countless, unchecked hours in front of the TV; and its parent that make the decisions for their children’s health. Not the other way around.
