Few obesity suggestions

As obesity continues to increase in our society, we need to remind people of some simple things that can help.

Statistics show that if kids are obese by the age of 10, they will likely battle a weight problem for a lifetime. Teaching good habits and training kids in better choices will go a long way to helping with this problem.

As Americans, we commonly eat to the point of being stuffed rather than to the point of comfort. If children and adults would take reasonable portions on their first servings at the dinner table, they should then be encouraged to skip the seconds. Even though they may not feel full at that exact moment, it is likely they will within the next 10 minutes as the brain receives the chemical signals indicating satiety.

Other important aspects for kids and adults are to eliminate sodas and fast foods. These are probably the most commonly abused foods in people who are overweight.

Schools need to eliminate the unhealthy snack and soda machines and need to return to a true physical fitness class that actually burns some calories.

Although very simplified, there are two basic principles to remember:

• We are what we eat
  
• 
  
• If Calories in are greater than calories out, weight gain will occur.