When it comes to obesity, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. Medical experts now view obesity as a chronic condition that is remarkably resistant to treatment. Obesity rates in American adults and children continue to climb, with no reversal of this trend in sight. Researchers believe high obesity rates may be attributed to a sedentary lifestyle and too much snacking. Ironically, while the importance of physical activity is gaining momentum in the scientific and public health communities, a majority of Americans remain as sedentary as ever.
Every parent knows that children are creatures of habit.
The good news is that once routines, such as no television after school, are established, they tend to run themselves. The bad news is that old routines, like turning on the television whenever boredom strikes, take some energy to change. Limiting television watching is a good first step in obesity prevention. Many families restrict television watching to only favorite shows, and use videos as special treats. Several studies have found a strong link between television viewing time and obesity.