This article details how martial arts training can prevent and alleviate childhood obesity.
Childhood obesity rates have skyrocketed in recent decades. It’s now a major health concern in many parts of the world. Millions of concerned parents have turned to martial arts for a safe, effective way to help their children get and keep body mass under control. Physical fitness in a structured, year-round activity helps prevent or cure serious health problems like Type 2 Diabetes and other costly, limiting, and painful conditions.
A toned, flexible body resists injury and recovers from sickness or damage much faster. A healthy physique leads to greater self-esteem and confidence. The opposite is true for those who are overweight or obese. And though it’s both unfair and unfortunate, obese children and adults often face discrimination that limits their social and career opportunities.
Martial Arts versus Childhood Obesity
Karate is fitness and self-defense training that benefits body, mind, and spirit. Martial arts can be performed by all ages, abilities, and fitness levels. By enrolling at a young age, positive eating and exercise habits can be developed to last a lifetime. Martial arts provide exercise – coupled with life skill lessons and expert guidance – that is known to prevent or resolve problems associated with childhood obesity.
In our society, tasty but unhealthy foods are both affordable and widely available. High fat, sugar, and sodium content in fast foods and snack foods contribute to poor diets. Sedentary activities like playing video games, browsing the Internet, and watching movies dominate as entertainment for young people. These factors play a “super size” role in the public health crisis of childhood obesity.