Parents or Food Industry?

To read the whole article go to www.sitnews.us. Here is a summary of his main points.

Childhood Obesity
By Rob Holston

March 17, 2006
Friday

"Childhood obesity will almost double in the next four years! That is the chilling report recently published in the International Journal of Pediatric Obesity. Their prediction is that by 2010, nearly 50% of all children in the U.S. will be overweight. Their study sates that "only significant changes in diet and lifestyle can change this prediction." The report goes on to state that the results of childhood obesity will be heart disease, diabetes, liver disorder & high cholesterol (for starters). In my opinion this is a Katrina sized national crisis in terms of medical costs, lost production and lost potential and we simply must avoid this catastrophe. Dr. Philip James of the IJPO describes the situation as "epidemic" and blames Western worlds food industry as the cause. This author primarily blames parents."

Percent of Obese (BMI > 30) in U.S. Adults

To watch the rate of obesity prevalence in the U.S. visit the CDC website.

"Parents do have a choice and as children become older, the choice becomes theirs. An ancient Proverb (22:6) says, "Train up a child in the way he is to go and when he is old he sill not depart from it"

...An active and healthy lifestyle for ALL ages should be a personal goal as well as a community and national goal for its citizens, both young and old.

Dr. James blames the food industry for creating what is collectively called "junk food." However the demand for the junk food is what gives the industry the financial incentive to produce it.

...The lesson to learn here is that, Fat, Salt and Sweets, the most desired of all tastes are not to be totally eliminated from the human diet. I believe these tastes were created for our pleasure...but in the hands of the giant food corporations of America, [childhood obesity ensues].

So what do you think? Who holds the greater responsibility for the growing rate of childhood obesity, the food industry, or parents? What are some ways we can teach and support mothers to encourage healthy eating habits?