Sensitive Subject: Overweight Kids at Disney and in USA in General

[baseballmom94]

I probably shouldn't even post this and hope I don't offend anyone but I have never seen so many overweight young children in one place as I did at Disney this past week. I keep reading the statistics of what a problem childhood obesity is becoming in America, however I don't see a lot of it first-hand where we live. I really noticed it at Disney and can see how this must be a big problem in our country. Of course, the kids I saw were also eating junk. I really hope this changes because I feel really sorry for these kids.

 

[GoofItUp]

I know what you're talking about. It's really sad for the kids. I realize that some kids may have problems that cause them to be overweight, but eating right and a little exercise would go a long way for so many kids. (Adults, too!)

 

[Hillbeans]

You're absolutely right. I believe video games and TV are to blame. We had the "Atari" when I was a teen, but my mom made us stay out of the house from after school until dinnertime to play and get exercise. So many parents use these tools as a full day babysitter and kids get no exercise.

 

[ckmommy]

I bet most were riding in strollers also!! I noticed this at WDW when we were there last month! We have a 3 yo and 5yo. that did not ride in a stroller or asked to be carried the whole time we were there! We did the parks all day for 3 days (last day got rained out). I just could not believe how many 5-9 (or about) yr olds who were overweight were in strollers! Parents kids need to walk!!!

 

[Serena]

I know a lot of it has to do with being in school all day and homework all night. If the kids act up, then recess or gym is withheld. That doesn't make a bit of sense to me, but that's what it was at my dd's school.

 

[Toby'sFriend]

I think it is a variety of reasons. Nutrional standards, lack of activity, tv, video games etc etc etc

They all seem to contribute.

 

[floridafam]

Both of my children are thin.

If my 5 yr old wants a stroller at WDW in May, I'm getting her one.

 

[Hillbeans]

Originally posted by floridafam
Both of my children are thin.

If my 5 yr old wants a stroller at WDW in May, I'm getting her one.

I agree...I think there's a big difference between a 5 year old and a 9 year old in a stroller.

I also think all of these foods like lunchables, super-sizing, etc., just lead to bad eating habits. I work FT but still try and cook 4-5 meals every week to cut down on our "processed" food intake.

IMHO, things like Juice are a huge culprit. I water down my DS's juice about 75%, otherwise, he'd be drinking pure sugar and calories.

 

[nowellsl]

When I was little we had PE everyday at school. Now the kids at my school get 30 minutes once a week! On the days they have to run the mile the clinic stays full all day! It's sad that kids are so out of shape these days (not just the overweight ones!) That being said, take a look at what kind of shape their parents are in and it may be understandable.

 

[Christine]

I'm lucky that my kids are thin--believe me, they eat their share of junk--they are just lucky to have good metabolisms. However, besides the horrible food we, as a nation, are feeding our children on a regular basis, the lack of activity is also a factor.

For my own kids, they really don't get enough physical activity and neither of them are big fans of organized sports. I was not either; however, in the summer I played outside all day with friends or alone, even when I was only 4 years old. I would also come home after school and run around my neighborhood until it was time for dinner. Due to the prevalance of kidnappings and perverts nowadays, my 9 and 12 year old do not leave my yard. Sad, but they have such a deficit in activity it is really bad I think.

 

[The Mystery Machine]

Originally posted by Hillbeans
I believe video games and TV are to blame.

Disagree here. I am thin and so are my kids. We play tons of video games. I have since the 70's.

I am a firm believer it is what you eat & how much of it. Also genetics play a role. Exercise added to that makes you even more fit.

 

[Melora]

It seems that kids eat so poorly and that there really is so much less exercise now-a-days. I feel so bad for the overweight kids because they have a harder time losing weight if/when they finally decide to. In so many cases one of the parents are heavy too. Its unfortunately a lifestyle thats handed down from parent to child.

 

[ckmommy]

I guess I am on the outside here! I have my kids out riding their bikes playing on swings, running around playing tag, you name it everyday! They are not the most active, but come on by 5 your healthy kids are too tired and they have to ride in a stroller??? Like I said my 3 yo did not even ride in a stroller! They did not complain or whine about walking. I am very surprised by the # of people thinking that a healthy 5 yo needs a stroller. I must be odd or something to expect my kids to be active and enjoy the exercise....

Flame away...my opinion WILL NOT change!!

 

[teh fish]

I was forced out of the house all the time, especially during the summer. We'd all take family trips to go to the pool and just burn a lot of energy.

As long as I didn't talk to strangers, I was ok. Then again, I lived on the end of a court so it was really easy to play in the streets.

Diet definitely has something to do with it. Ever since I moved off campus and had to start making my own meals, I find myself making healthier choices food wise and I've lost my little gut that I used to have. I can't afford sweets

 

[floridafam]

Healthy people still get tired. My DH is the most fit person I know and he still gets tired.

My children are very active. They also don't whine. If they happen to say they are tired at WDW there are many things we can do-rest for a while, give them the option of sitting in a stroller, etc.

My children also ride their bikes, go for walks, play catch, tag, soccer, etc.

My 5 yr. old just might not be able to walk as much as her Mom and Dad may be able too.

No flaming her. You're entitled to your opinion.

 

[Hillbeans]

Originally posted by The Mystery Machine
Disagree here. I am thin and so are my kids. We play tons of video games. I have since the 70's.

I am a firm believer it is what you eat & how much of it. Also genetics play a role. Exercise added to that makes you even more fit.

That could be the case in your household, but not in others. If you have a balance with TV/Games and eat healthy then you're doing it right. Not everyone goes along with that theory though.

 

[floridafam]

Diet definitely has something to do with it

You are correct. My son has many friends at school who say "yuck" when he tells them all the different kinds of fruits and vegetables he likes. I don't think there is a fruit or vegetable out there that my children don't love.

Last year when we were at Vero Beach my son regularly asked if he could substitute broccoli for fries in his kid's meal at the resort.

Sure, they eat treats but they do so in moderation.

Society has changed. I also used to play outside by myself all the time or with friends. Unfortunately, I will not let my children go outside by themselves yet.

 

[HappyMommy2]

There's definitely a problem in our country with overweight kids. There are so many things that contribute to this; the previous posters have made some very good observations. Though my kids (ages 4 and 2) are very slender and healthy, I know they are not immune to the potential for future weight problems, so we're working hard to build healthy habits now--particularly plenty of physical activity EVERY day, even on rainy days (I allow jumping on the bed when it's raining outside! ).

However, I think it's unrealistic to make assumptions about kids' everyday lives from what you see them doing at WDW. My kids rarely ride in strollers at home, but at WDW they ride all the time. Also, my kids get occasional junk food at home, but I have to admit that during our few days at WDW we pretty much go all-out with the junk food--Mickey bars everyday, Pop Tarts and Kool Aid for breakfast, etc. We still eat healthy foods each day to avoid tummyaches, but I'm sure there have been people who've mumbled about my parenting behind my back after seeing me feeding my 2-year-old a lunch of Captain Crunch and French Fries at WDW!

 

[MosMom]

Originally posted by floridafam
Healthy people still get tired. My DH is the most fit person I know and he still gets tired.

My children are very active. They also don't whine. If they happen to say they are tired at WDW there are many things we can do-rest for a while, give them the option of sitting in a stroller, etc.

My children also ride their bikes, go for walks, play catch, tag, soccer, etc.

My 5 yr. old just might not be able to walk as much as her Mom and Dad may be able too.

No flaming her. You're entitled to your opinion.

I agree with this. My daughter is *very* active but still gets tired in DisneyWorld. I personally prefer the stroller in DisneyWorld because I don't have to constantly worry about whether she is with us or not. She has taken a nap in the middle of the day for a bit and with the stroller, she can do that. We go for a longer stretch than 3 days though. If I only had my daughter (we also have a 20 month old) for 3 days we probably wouldn't bring a stroller but if she got tired, I would rent one for her. After a week in the park, I would like to rent a stroller sometimes....so I can't expect her not to be tired. You walk an average of 7 miles a day at the parks. Should a 5-6 year old be expected to walk 7 miles without getting tired?

 

[Bichon Barb]

I agree with sugar being a culprit. Kids are drinking too much juice and soda.

But I think the fact that many children aren't allowed to play outdoors is a huge culprit. I'm lucky to live in an area with lots and lots of kids. I can't think of one child over the age of seven who isn't allowed to join in on a neighborhood basketball game, soccer game, sledding, or just run around each other's yards. And I can't think of any overweight kids on my street.

If a family doesn't have that luxury, I think it's important that the kids play organized sports, or the whole family does hikes, skis, swims, etc.