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DEL.ICIO.USIs childhood obesity ‘the terrorist threat from within’?
According to a former U.S. Surgeon General it is, and researchers have announced a $500 million plan to deal with this public health disaster.
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
I’ve been a little worried about me and the kids munching away the summer. It’s hard not to snack when you’re home most of the day.
As I was thinking today about how to curb our snacking, I ran across this article on Newsweek.com about how childhood obesity is a “terrorist threat from within.”
Dr. Dean Ornish takes a look at trends in childhood obesity and a new $500 million program from the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation to curb the epidemic.
Dr. Ornish reports in the story: “Almost two-thirds of adults are overweight (body mass index, or BMI, between 25 and 30) or obese (BMI over 30). (To calculate your BMI, click here for adults, here for kids.) Worse, a study in the Annals of Internal Medicine that followed 4,000 people over 30 years found that nine out of 10 men and seven out of 10 women will eventually become overweight. And it’s not just adults. Since 1970 the percentage of kids who are overweight or obese has risen almost fourfold, from 4.2 percent to 15.3 percent.”
“New CDC figures released today and published in the Journal of the American Medical Association suggest that the rise in childhood obesity may have leveled off—the latest numbers are approximately the same as the last time the survey was done—but it’s not clear yet whether the upward trend has been permanently stalled or whether it is just a statistical artifact.”
“Even though today’s numbers offer some hope, it’s much too early to assume that the problem has been solved—this may still be the first generation in which kids have shorter lifespans than their parents. According to former U.S. Surgeon General Richard Carmona, ‘As we look to the future and where childhood obesity will be in 20 years … it is every bit as threatening to us as is the terrorist threat we face today. It is the terrorist threat from within.’ “
“Well, it doesn’t have to be this way. Childhood obesity is almost completely preventable. We don’t have to wait for a new drug or technology; we just have to put into practice what we already know. Clearly, genes have changed little, if at all, in the past 40 years. What’s changed is our diet and lifestyle. If we caused it, we can reverse it.”
Dr. Ornish recently interviewed Dr. Risa Lavizzo-Mourey, who is president and CEO of the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, about what is causing childhood obesity and how her organization plans to change it.
She explained that children are eating too large of portions, eating out more often and eating more often in general. Plus, they are getting less exercise than before.
She says the programs: “Healthy Kids, Healthy Communities will provide direct support to communities working to reshape their environments in ways that promote healthy living and prevent childhood obesity. We will fund 10 leading communities this summer and release a call for proposals by the end of this year to fund 90 more. We are launching the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation Center to Prevent Childhood Obesity at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences to provide information and resources to policymakers and community activists. It will be up and running by mid-September. We will launch a program to support experienced local advocates working with low-income communities of color. Communities Creating Healthy Environments will fund advocacy efforts in 20 communities.”
What do you think: Is childhood obesity a terrorist threat from within? What can you do to help prevent your children from being affected? Are your children already affected? Will they be munching away the summer watching TV?
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By B
May 28, 2008 8:12 AM | Link to this
I think terrorist threat is a bit much but it is definitely a huge problem in the US. Neither of my children are obese; my daughter is a college athlete who is in great shape and always has been. As a pre-teen she was actually quite thin. She does tend to eat a lot of carbs during the season, but does try to balance out everything else even though vegies are not favorites. My son on the other hand has an incredibly high metabolism and is super thin. He eats like a vacuum cleaner, sucking up anything in his path. He also plays three sports, two on a highly competitive basis, and spends a lot of time outdoors. For the summer he has a lot of physical activities planned, although they are distributed throughout the summer. TV is almost an afterthought once Sportscenter has been seen in the morning. XBox is harder to get turned off, but there is a limit. For my part, I exercise at a gym 3-4 times a week (hopefully a good example) and I really try not to have a lot of junk food available. Luckily fruit is a favorite snack. I guess you just have to keep the kids involved in some kind of exercise-swimming, biking, even just taking a walk with them, and really watch the kinds of food you bring home. TV and video games in moderation and just have some fun outside!
By Kat
May 28, 2008 8:22 AM | Link to this
I don’t think the BMI links are available?
By John
May 28, 2008 8:37 AM | Link to this
It can’t be compared to terrorism. It’s the parents fault if a kid’s too fat. Make your kids play in the yard, take them to a park, get them envolved in sports. Boy scouts or girl scouts would be a great start for them.
By CD
May 28, 2008 8:51 AM | Link to this
How about this. Don’t buy the stuff that can (junk food), be the root of the problem. Junk food. If snacking is a must, fruits and vegetables should suffice. This is not brain surgery and yet articles like this always turn simplicity into some sort of mystery. Give your kids healthy snacks. I don’t keep junk in my house, so there is none to eat. No obesity in my family…duh!
By CD
May 28, 2008 8:57 AM | Link to this
HA HA HA HA…”terrorist threat”. Once again, drama drama drama. I have kids too but obviously need to get a life since I am reading this stuff….see ya!
By Jesse's Girl
May 28, 2008 9:03 AM | Link to this
As harsh as it may feel to parents of very over-weight children…..its your fault!!! I acknowledge that some weight issues can be attributed to heredity or DNA, what have you. However….if you allow your child to eat Cheetos, cookies and empty-caloried snacks and then turn around and finish it all off with sugar-laden sodas….then you are failing your child miserably!!! My eldest has grown up with a girl who is 3 months older than her and out-weighs her by 50 pounds, at 11 years old!!! This child is allowed to eat fast food constantly and eats whatever is in the house whenever she feels like it. There have never been any boundaries and her body/health is the evidence.
Its hard enough for our kids these days with all the issues they have to face that we were largely spared from. Our children must learn to navigate these issues to succeed in school and in life. Why add to it by allowing them to become unhealthy and obese? I agree…I think equating it with some form of terrorism is a bit much. But it is most definitely a form of child abuse.
By sandy
May 28, 2008 9:04 AM | Link to this
My two stepchildren are both extremely overweight. This is because their mother allows them to eat too much junk food, and she doesn’t feed them dinner until 9:30 or 10pm. Then they go to bed. Both children sleep with the TV or radio blaring in their rooms all night - not a proper night’s sleep. They are not allowed to go outside and play because there are too many “predators” in the neighborhood - or so their mother says. The children get no exercise whatsoever. They play video games all day or watch TV. When they are with us for a weekend, they aren’t even able to walk through the park without stopping every five minutes because they are tired and worn out. It is such a shame, as my husband and I are very active people and we eat properly. We offer good food to the children, but they don’t want it if it doesn’t look like a McDonald’s hamburger or chicken nuggets. In this case, as in many others, the kids have to get off the couch, eat less junk, and get a good night’s sleep.
By Stan
May 28, 2008 9:08 AM | Link to this
“terrorist threat” is fast becomming the most over used phrase in the world. In doing so it will desensatize us all too the actual terrorists.
Childhood obesity is a real problem and it needs to be addressed, by parents and other athourity figures on an induvidual basis. The solutions are simple; limit TV time (including gaming), limit computer time, encourage outside play, control as much as possible food intake.
By fk
May 28, 2008 9:41 AM | Link to this
Something the pediatrician told me long ago: Do not let your child eat in front of the television. When a child makes that association, it can create an unhealthy habit that can last a lifetime.
By Theresa
May 28, 2008 9:48 AM | Link to this
hey Kat — i didn’t have time last night to link up the BMI links but if you click on the story link they are right there — it takes you to the CDC web site — I was playing around wiht it last night and it’s amazing what a difference a few pounds can make as far as where you are classified.
By The Truth
May 28, 2008 9:51 AM | Link to this
This subject is getting really old. Quit feeding your fat kids more and more sugar and exercise. There. Problem solved.
By Thor
May 28, 2008 10:09 AM | Link to this
Terrorist threat…. no. Immoral to let your kid pork out; yes. Its the parents fault - certain people should just not be allowed to reproduce.
Poor diet via the parents (“I’m just too busy to cook”)
Paranoid parents who won’t let their kids out of their sight to play or ride their bike so they keep them inside (“Someone will steal my child!”)
Helicopter parents who keep their kids inside, under their thumb and then use the video game as a babysitter.
Finally, throw in stupidity with a big shot of denial and self-absorption(“I love my kids so much!”). We flat out lie to ourselves and actually believe it (“Uncle Ernie was ‘big boned’, must be where the genes came from”), its bad parenting and a reflection of America today. We want it all, we want it now - there is no moderation.
Have you looked at the adults at the store lately? These people are simply HUGE. Men over 300 pounds is now common; women over 200 pounds is accepted. We make excuses (“Its hard losing the weight after the baby”) so they just explode and then reproduce some more.
Fat teenagers will not get dates, unless its with another fat teenager. This will lead to a new trend of fat marrying fat because nobody else will have them; then they will breed creating the next super size American bigger than anyone could fathom.
Sterilize half the parents immediately.
By Mr. Obvious
May 28, 2008 10:21 AM | Link to this
So we’re calling Twinkies “terrorists” now? LMAO! Here’s some free, top-secret advice to all you fatties and parents of little blobs who are still waiting around for the magic skinny pill: Excercise! Don’t eat crappy foods all day, every day! Lay off the video games, get your booties outside and enjoy the weather! Stop making excuses for yourselves! You’re welcome.
By Mr. Obvious
May 28, 2008 10:26 AM | Link to this
So we’re calling Twinkies “terrorists” now? LMAO! Here’s some free, top-secret advice to all you fatties and parents of little blobs who are still waiting around for the magic skinny pill: Excercise! Don’t eat crappy foods all day, every day! Lay off the video games, get your booties outside and enjoy the weather! Stop making excuses for yourselves! You’re welcome.
By such a shame
May 28, 2008 10:39 AM | Link to this
It breaks my heart to see overweight young children of parents who don’t seem to notice (oftentimes themselves overweight). My co-worker brought in her grandson recently and the poor boy is obviously getting way too much to eat. Poor little thing is doomed to a lifetime of low self esteem, diets and health problems. I think it reflects our society - we sit on our rumps in offices all day and give in to advertisers clamoring to sell us their tasty products. Isn’t profit always the bottom line?
By gimme a break
May 28, 2008 10:45 AM | Link to this
Comparing Bubba’s slight reduction in life expectancy and his liflong proclivity for chafing to human bombs loaded with nails and glass or the reduction of a jumbojet to a tumbling bottlerocket is irresponsible and slightly obnoxious. Play more, eat less, nuff said.
By Stacey
May 28, 2008 10:57 AM | Link to this
I have noticed for years how much bigger and taller the kids of this generation are. When I was in school, you had a couple of fat kids in each class. When I visit my son’s elementary school now, there are a couple of kids in each class who are not fat. I am overweight myself but there are a couple of fifth graders at his school who are my size or larger.
I am not going to sit here and pretend that I don’t allow my son to eat junk food but there is a limit. I also make sure to keep plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables for him when he’s in a “grazing” mood. He gets a lot of physical activity so his weight is well within healthy limits for his age and height.
By Go outside and play
May 28, 2008 10:59 AM | Link to this
how about limiting the kids time with the TV and video games, and encouraging them to go outside and play! Better yet, go outside and play WITH your kids! Put up the volleyball net, play kickball in the back yard, go for a bicycle ride. There are lots of things you can do WITH your kids that will get them moving. They won’t know it’s exercise if they’re having fun doing it.
By Millie
May 28, 2008 11:00 AM | Link to this
It is indeed sad to see so many young kids suffering from the disgusting habits of their parents. Misery loves company as they say.
However, I refuse to blame advertisers for other people’s filthy obesity. We’re taught too frequently to abstain from personal responsibilty. Sorry, those of us who understand the importance of portion control and a balanced diet and lifestyle shouldn’t suffer because other people feel like sitting around and stuffing their faces full of garbage.
The fact is, millions of kids right now have been screwed by parents who are simply too lazy to care. It’s called child abuse.
By FCM
May 28, 2008 11:01 AM | Link to this
I have thin kids. They are healthy, active kids. I actually have to pin their clothes at the waist because the manufacturers have made ‘regulars’ wider so the fat kids don’t feel bad. JCPenney has a plus size for kids too how sad.
By miss nadine
May 28, 2008 11:28 AM | Link to this
I was at an all-you-can-eat buffet in Marietta and I was shocked at how obese most patrons were. I am talking about entire families of morbidly obese people. It was absolutely disgusting. I have never seen so much food and so many refills in an evening. I can’t even imagine eating that much. There is no self control. Just because there is a sign that says “all you can eat” doesn’t mean you have to. If you go anywhere in the world you would never see this. I travel a lot internationally and I am always amazed at how fat we are compared to other nations. It is really sickening.
By Amy in the ATL
May 28, 2008 11:40 AM | Link to this
I don’t know if it’s a terrorist threat, but childhood obesity is a huge health issue. And as you said, it’s PREVENTABLE. In most cases, childhood obesity is the result of poor parenting. But I also think, and this may sound harsh, that we are compounding the problem by over-emphasizing self-esteem, and not emphasizing self-control. I’m 37, but when I was in grade school there were very, very few overweight kids. And those who were overweight were self-conscious about their weight and in most cases were making a real effort to lose the weight. These days, you can go to the beach and see 180 lb. 16 year old girls happily wearing bikinis, letting it all hang out. With so many kids overweight, there just doesn’t seem to be the peer pressure to be thin that there used to be. And while there’s a real benefit that maybe we’re not driving so many girls to anorexia, maybe we’ve overshot it too much and people are somewhat oblivious to the long-term impacts of being obese. Fat is the new normal. We really need to get the message out that being fat is not okay. It’s not good for you. Just like smoking isn’t good for you. Both are ticking time bombs. So let’s stop being so overly sensitive and touchy-feely and make sure these kids understand what they’re doing to themselves long-term.
By Jeff
May 28, 2008 11:50 AM | Link to this
I once knew a person who LITERALLY wore 62-24 men’s pants.
He was 8 years old.
Had to have hip replacement at 9 years old.
As for the general size: A lot of it has to do with attitude. Take myself and T, for example. I would like for both of us to lose about 70 lbs. It’ll put me somewhere around 180, her - I think - somewhere around 110-120. For our heights, this gives us decent BMIs in the healthy range (mid-high side of that range, but within it nonetheless).
T constantly says ‘but that is too SKINNY’ when I bring this up.
I tell her it is BARELY skinny ENOUGH!
So I’m going to start working on it myself, and I’m going to get myself down to 180 whether she likes it or not, simply because that is where I want to be. I’m tired of being so tired, I’m tired of having to deal with the host of other problems that a 25yo man should not be having to deal with. And I remember that back in HS when I was at 180, I didn’t have any of these problems and I always had a TON of energy.
And to you regulars, I’m giving you permission to check on me from time to time and asking you to please do so!
As of the last time I checked - about a week ago - I was at 253.6!! :((
By Jana
May 28, 2008 12:06 PM | Link to this
Jeff if you want T to weigh 110, how short is T?
By Pepper
May 28, 2008 12:10 PM | Link to this
Jeff,
Good luck! That’s great to hear.
To anyone who’s fat and reading this, have no fear about getting your life back. I noticed a morbidly obese person in the gym last night and I guarantee you that 99% of us in there were thinking “good for you, you got yourself here and you’re making an effort.” It’s impossible not to pull for people who try.
By Jeff
May 28, 2008 12:30 PM | Link to this
Jana:
I looked it up, and healthy ranges for the two of us are 115-150 for her, 140-185 for me.
Meaning she is actually healthier than me at the moment.
But we’re working on becoming first-time parents, and evidently the healthier you are the easier that is! (BTW: How do you convince a woman stressing out about not getting pregnant NOT to stress out?? I’ve been working on that one for several months now, and nothing I’m doing is working!)
By Active Duty Mom
May 28, 2008 12:31 PM | Link to this
As a Registered Dietitian with over 14 years of professional practice with pediatric patients, I can tell you that it is not uncommon for me to teach parents about how to lower their child’s high blood cholesterol levels at age 6 and how to control their child’s Type 2 diabetes (which used to be called adult-onset diabetes not too long ago) at age 12. A few things to start the reversal of the childhood obesity trend:
Remember that a fast-food combo meal will provide a ballpark of 1200 calories, which is almost one day’s worth of calories for many children. Just check out the Nutrition Facts section of just about any fast food chain, enter in what you order for your child, and you’ll see how it adds up fast! Fast food meals should be limited to once or twice a month at the most and considered a treat.
Batch cooking healthy dishes and portioning them into containers that can be stored in the freezer and reheated in the microwave can save time and money and provide good nutrition. Pair them with raw or cooked vegetables or a salad and some fresh fruit and dinner is served!
If I had a quarter for every time a mom came into my office and said, “But I have to buy the __ (name of junk food here) for my husband or other son or daughter”, I’d be rich! Whoever is buying the groceries, remember that you are the gatekeeper and what you bring into the home is what your kids will eat.
Parents, you are the role models. If your child sees you eating fruit for a snack, guess what they’re going to eat? If you turn your nose up at vegetables, guess who is going to do the same?
Get your child involved in a sport or other physical activity or better yet, get the family involved in a physical activity such as going for a hike, learning how to swim, or growing a garden.
Parents, bottom line: you are the ones in charge, not your kids! If your child does not eat what is served at mealtime, do not make an issue of it, but do not become a short-order cook for your child! Do not allow small children to access food from the refrigerator or cupboards at their will. When mealtime or snack time is over, the kitchen is CLOSED! I once had a 5 year old patient who had access to the refrigerator anytime, was drinking a quart of juice per day (approximately 1900 calories), and the parents were wondering why the kid was not hungry at mealtime.
References I’d highly recommend:
“How to Get Your Kid to Eat, but Not Too Much” by Ellyn Satter
American Dietetic Association website: www.eatright.org
Food for thought.
By FCM
May 28, 2008 12:51 PM | Link to this
Feed Me I’m Yours and Sugar Blues were published in the 70s but still relevant today.
How do you get a female who hates milk to get enough calcium?
By HB
May 28, 2008 1:06 PM | Link to this
Jeff, it’s my understanding that healthy weight is healthy weight, and there’s no real benefit to being at the bottom of that range. Work on developing good family habits, but please don’t even suggest to your wife that she should be aiming for 110 (too low!) to 120 lbs. Too low weight can also cause fertility problems. If she decides that she wants to set a goal weight for herself, 135-140 is plenty good enough and much easier to attain. That’s in the middle of the healthy range, leaving a little wiggle room if it becomes difficult to keep that last 5 lbs or so off.
By Jeff
May 28, 2008 1:16 PM | Link to this
HB:
Honestly, I was guessing at the weight she needed to be at. She’s BEAUTIFUL right now!
And as the numbers show, I have FAR more to lose than she does!
My main concern in any case isn’t those numbers per se. It really is total health. I just know neither one of us is where we need to be!
By new mom
May 28, 2008 1:42 PM | Link to this
Hi Jeff, I think it’s admirable to want to get healthy. No matter our weight, I think everyone could always use more fresh veggies and more exercise in our life.
I’d like to respond to your question How do you convince a woman stressing out about not getting pregnant NOT to stress out??
We tried to get preganant, off and on, for a total of 8 years, the final 3 involving surgeries, horomone treatments, giving myself shots, and lots of fertility treatments. After all that, we finally just got pregant on our own.
Speaking from my personal experience, it was impossible for anyone to convince me NOT to stress out. (still is!) But when you are trying to get pregnant, and it’s not working, honestly the last thing I ever wanted to hear was the ‘don’t worry, it will happen when it’s time’ crap. Or the ‘just don’t get stressed out, go on a vacation’ crap. Sorry Jeff, but the best thing you can do (in my opinion) is just to be there for her, hold her when she cries, and try not to ‘figure out’ why it’s not working. Guys like to analyze things, but that’s not the time for us girls to hear it. And if you are upset, don’t be afraid to let her see that too. Guys can be so good at holding back their emotions, so sometimes we feel like we are the only ones being affected. I hope this helps, and I will say a prayer for you and T, and your baby future.
By JJ
May 28, 2008 1:56 PM | Link to this
NewMom Great advice!!!!
I myself didn’t think I would ever get pregnant. He had a kid with his previous wife, so I just assumed there was something wrong with me. It just killed me to see anyone with a kid. I broke down at Lenox Mall one day, just watching a new mom with her new baby….I cried for three straight days.
We did the same things you did going through fertility. Then, we went on vacation, and when we weren’t expecting it, I finally got pregnant. It happened when we weren’t concentrating on having a baby.
I think when it finally happened, I had given up hope of ever having my own child, and would just have to settle for being a step mom……
It does happen when you least expect it.
Jeff Enjoy this time with T alone. Kids will come soon enough. You haven’t even been married a year yet, so give it time. My best friend and his wife were together 16 years before they decided to have babies….they are both now in their late 30’s with a 6 year old and a 2 year old. I’m not saying wait that long, but enjoy what you have while you have it!!!
Trust me, enjoy this time with T, before you have your kids……..
By Veggie Mate
May 28, 2008 1:58 PM | Link to this
I agree with other posters that “terrorist threat” is extreme and highly over used. Obesity among children is out of control. Just go to any mall and people watch. You’ll see all the fat parents with the fat kids. Monkey see, monkey do. Less time in front of the feeding trough and TV and more time engaged in outside activities and eating right!!
By Duluth
May 28, 2008 2:23 PM | Link to this
I have yet to see a skinny mexican kid. They are all a bunch of porkers…
By Jana
May 28, 2008 3:16 PM | Link to this
Wow, Duluth you killed the blog
By DB
May 28, 2008 4:24 PM | Link to this
Jeff, you can do it! My husband lost almost 100 lbs. two years ago and has been successful in keeping it off — he had been a marathon runner before shin splints curtailed his running, and then a long-distance swimmer before the shoulder disintegrated. Taking away his two major exercise outlets caused the weight to creep on, and one day he finally said, “Enough,” and got to work. He basically turned vegetarian except for maybe once a week.
We’ll be cheering you on!
By ms. hoo
May 29, 2008 10:42 AM | Link to this
One connection with being overweight that no one seems to be addressing is the rampant child/sexual abuse in our society. Emotional protection is one cause of “obesity”, and the reason focus on diet/exercise can’t always take care of it. The true “terroris” in this country that affects children in many ways including health is that is is not safe to let your children outside alone or at a playground! Too many wacko rapists, murderers, people who will sell them into sexual slavery for 20 bucks. Another serious problem that is rarely addressed…
By The Last Acceptable Prejudice
May 29, 2008 12:08 PM | Link to this
Everything I have to say about this can be found at:
http://junkfoodscience.blogspot.com/
By SugarHillDawg
May 29, 2008 4:42 PM | Link to this
I am sorry BUT I was perusing the ajc webpage and read the term “terrorist threat” used concerning childhood obesity. The phrase”terrorist threat” TRIVIALIZES the actual meaning! I guess you libs at the ajc feel like you can throw that term around anyway you want so as to trivialize the REAL terrorist threat.MUSLIMS who want to kill us because we aren’t like them!!
By Theresa
May 29, 2008 4:52 PM | Link to this
Hey SugarHillDawg —I hope you noticed teh quotes in the headline and in the story — the AJC didn’t say that phrase - a former U.S. Surgeon General said it — I have no problem wiht you disagreeing with the phrase — lots of posters did — but don’t blame the phrase on the AJC. here’s the quote below:
According to former U.S. Surgeon General Richard Carmona, ‘As we look to the future and where childhood obesity will be in 20 years … it is every bit as threatening to us as is the terrorist threat we face today. It is the terrorist threat from within.’ “
By Chris
June 12, 2008 1:29 PM | Link to this
Setting a good example for your kids to see is a good start. My 4 year old sees me riding my bike 4+ times per week: to work, coming home from work, picking her and the car up from the babysitters, and for fitness after work. She has seen or participated in at least a dozen foot or bike races in her 4 years. I’ve packed away the stroller: if we are out she needs to walk! We set a good example by walking or biking as much as we can (instead of driving).
However, parents with good intentions can only do so much. The public needs to put pressure on local government and zoning boards to require more greenspace and parklands, so that kids and adults have somewhere to exercise. There is no reason that kids shouldn’t be able to walk or bike to school safely. Sidewalks should extend at least 3 miles from major retail along all roadways.
And parents, before you complain a how fat your kids are, take a look in the mirror, you might see the reason your kids are there way they are.
Lastly, don’t be fooled with the “Milk it does a body good” campaign. Milk is loaded with calories and fat. There are plenty of much healthier ways to get protein, calcium and vitamin D.
By Chris
June 12, 2008 1:43 PM | Link to this
Also, at 23 years old I was a hefty 172 pounds. Now at 35 I am 155 pounds. Still 5’10”.
As a parent and a husband, I find the need to be physically fit more important than ever. I want to be healthy for my family, look appealing for my wife, and set a good example for my child.
I can understand how some young adults that are starting out on their own might gain a few pounds, but if you are an overweight parent, you should be ashamed of yourself. Turn off the TV, lace up the shoes, grab some water and go walk for an hour each night.