There is the belief that as long as it is a hot fulfilling meal, it is okay to feed children these types of unhealthy meals. Pantries are stocked with chips, cookies, candy and many other unhealthy food items. People do not fully understand that all the high caloric and sugary snacks that are lovingly bought for the children are contributing to their unhealthy lifestyles. These harmful food choices affect children in ways many parents may not understand. A poor diet in conjunction to a sedentary lifestyle leads to an energy imbalance. This causes children to be tired and sluggish bringing about weight gain and various health problems.
Another problem with eating fast food for families is the lack of exercise. The quality of food has declined while portion sizes and calories have increased. The regular consumption of unwholesome food items contributes to children's weight gain, and they are not burning off the excess calories they are consuming. As a result, serious health problems are on the rise among children. The health risks children face as a consequence of a bad diet are devastating. High blood pressure and high cholesterol, more common in adults, are now quickly becoming a common childhood disease (Sifferlin 1). Eating poorly and inactivity also increase their risk of developing chronic diseases like sleep apnea, cardiovascular disease, diabetes and even cancer (Paula 1) (Weiss, Molitor 1). There are also psychological issues that our youth can suffer from as a result of obesity. The psychological stress that children may endure from social stigmas stemming from being overweight can cause low self-esteem, anxiety and depression ("Risks of Poor Nutrition" 1). This can hinder a child's social and educational functions which most likely continue into adulthood. .
Although, parents provide their children with a secure and wonderful childhood, some parents forget that they are the primary role models for their children.
