Child obesity -- a threat to parents

Obesity in our children is rising, particularly among those who are living in city areas. If children are lean and thin, many parents are found worried about their child becoming 'skinny'. They obviously want them to be more robust, which unfortunately does not mean healthy. We must not be over worried about our children being lean and thin, rather we should make sure they are taking a balanced diet and maintaining proper weight. A genetic factor is a prime reason for children being overweight. Parents, who are overweight, should be careful about their children, since many children who have overweight parents are not overweight themselves.
We need to save our children from eating junk foods which are high in calories and low in nutritional values. Overweight children have a high risk of being affected with high cholesterol, high blood pressure, diabetes and heart diseases later in their life. Obesity ruins a child's childhood as they feel isolated, lonely, have low self esteem and are depressed. If we live a healthy life and eat balanced diet, we can encourage our children to follow the same lifestyle. Let us say 'no' to obesity and make them aware of its negative impact on our life.
Mohammed Fardeen
Badda, Dhaka